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Delbianco Decision Delayed

By Chelsea Vella
Blackburn News
December 18, 2013

http://blackburnnews.com/sarnia/sarnia-news/2013/12/18/delbianco-decision-delayed-2/

Final Crown and defence counsel submissions were made in the trial of a former priest at Sarnia’s courthouse Wednesday.

Gabriele DelBianco is being tried on 18 counts including sexual assault and gross indecency allegedly involving four teenage girls during the 1980?s.

In Crown submissions, Aniko Coughlan alleges that DelBianco abused his position of trust and authority within the church and used his role to create opportunities to be alone with the complainants. She says parents trusted him with their children, even allowing them to go on overnight trips.

DelBianco’s lawyer Andrew Bradie argues none of the complainants claimed they engaged in the sexual acts because DelBianco was an authority figure, but rather because he was charismatic. More than one woman describes him as being like “rock star”, testifying that it made them feel special to be chosen by him.

Bradie challenged their reliability and says there’s no evidence to suggest the sexual activity wasn’t consensual. He also says the incidents took place when the complainants were at the legal age of 14.

Given the length of the proceedings Wednesday, Justice Joseph Donohue said he will not be delivering his judgement after submissions conclude Thursday.

DelBianco left the priesthood in 1996 after serving at churches in Wallaceburg and Windsor.

 

 

 

 

 




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