BishopAccountability.org

Convicted sex offender running for school board trustee in Saskatoon

By Chris Vandenbreekel
CKOM
October 17, 2016

http://ckom.com/article/1089230/convicted-sex-offender-running-school-board-trustee-saskatoon

Denis Robert Hall is shown in his candidate photo from the official website for the Greater Saskatoon Catholic Schools.

A man running for a position as a Saskatoon Catholic school board trustee is a convicted sex offender.

According to a Saskatoon StarPhoenix story from 2003, Denis Robert Hall pleaded guilty in 1981 to two charges of having intercourse with girls aged 14-16, as well as two counts of indecent assault.

Hall was sentenced to 18 months in jail, and was released in June 1982.

He was sued by one of the girls, who became pregnant. He settled for $3,500 with the girl after she signed not to pursue further legal action.

Hall received a full pardon in 1994. According to the 1985 Criminal Records Act, this means the Parole Board of Canada believed he was "of good conduct" and the conviction "should no longer reflect adversely on the applicant's character."

Greater Saskatoon Catholic Schools confirmed Monday morning they were aware of Hall's conviction.

Communications Consultant Derrick Kunz told 650 CKOM as far as the school division is aware, Hall met all the rules to become a trustee candidate.

However, the catholic board said in a statement Monday it has taken steps "over the years" to prevent Hall and his organization, Young Athlete Saskatchewan Summer Basketball School, from having access to students and facilities.

"We will continue to take the necessary steps to ensure the safety and security of our students in the future," the statement read.

Kunz said Hall is still confirmed to attend an all-candidates forum at E.D. Freehan High School scheduled for 7 p.m. Tuesday.

Father Kevin McGee, acting administrator for the Roman Catholic Diocese of Saskatoon, said he had concerns regarding Hall's candidacy.

"He hopes to engage in a community of trustees where trust needs to be present," McGee said.

"Could Mr. Hall enter into a relationship with others, including other trustees, where those bonds of trust could be easily developed? I would have to say, based on that history, it would be very difficult."

He added the situation could trigger "significant trauma and pain" for victims of sexual abuse within the diocese and the catholic school board.

McGee said he's been in contact with Hall and asked him to step aside from the election. No decision was reached.

"The way we left the conversation was for him to give some consideration to it," McGee said.

Attempts to reach Hall have gone unanswered.

Hall ran for trustee in 2003, finishing ninth in the official results. He received 3,762 votes.

His biography on the GSCS online election page states he is the father of five catholic school graduates.

The candidate notes he has a combined masters in education leadership and business administration, and is a Charter Knight of Columbus.

Hall said he would promote daily activity through physical activity, as well as "teaching proper nutrition and healthy lifestyles."

 

Contact: cvandenbreekel@rawlco.com




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