I have added three pictures taken yesterday (14 October ’14) outside the Pembroke Ontario courthouse after day one of Father Dan Miller‘s sex abuse trial. I thought he had gained a few pounds since he was previously convicted? No matter, the one for sure is that there was no indication – at least to me – that he lost weight while serving 6 months of a nine month sentence.
The trial continues Friday, 17 October 2014 at 10 am in the Pembroke courthouse. For a number of reasons I’m not going to blog anything regarding testimony on day one of the trial – the fact that I was unable to take notes or record is high on that list 
However, as is inevitably the case there is also a publication ban on the identity of the complainant – recounting much of that testimony would create problems in abiding by the ban so best I leave it alone. I can and will however tell you that the complainant testified that Father Miller masturbated him to ejaculation on two occasions. The complainant was a boy of 12 or 13 at the time.
Please keep the complainant in your prayers. And please, if you are free to so, get to the courthouse on Friday morning. I will never understand why so few Roman Catholics attend these trials in person. It is so important, both to offer support for the complainant and to understand the nature of the charges and how they are dealt with in court.
*****
There are two courtdates tomorrow (16 October 2014)
(1) Father Bernard Buckle
Father Bernard Buckle has a courtdate tomorrow in Stephenville, Newfoundland. His trial date has been set for 18 February 2015 so this probably tied into what documents can be entered into evidence and which witnesses will be called. It MAY I suppose be occasion to enter a guilty plea – one just never knows. I have missed guilty pleas because I thought nothing of significance was going to happen in court on a particular day. However, this probably routine legal haggling/preparation for trial?
Please keep the complainant in your prayers. If anyone does attend please let us know if anything of significance transpires.
16 October 2014: Sentencing, Montreal courthouse
Tomorrow is the sentencing for Deacon Kokesch. Kokesch pleaded guilty to child porn charges last February. There is a good chance that this will be a sentecing hearing in which case sentencing may be set for a later date.
I encourage those who can do so to attend.
*****
Another name added to the Accused list….
The name of Father Robyn Gwyn, a priest with the Archdiocese of Kingston, Ontario, has been charged. I have added a page with as much info as I can find at this time.
I missed the news on these charges because of my medical woes over the past 6 weeks. It looks as though news of the charges hasn’t reached Ontario. I can find no coverage at all.
I am trying to some more info – awaiting call backs or emails – trying to sort out what exactly Farther Robyn Gwyn was doing in Berwick, Nova Scotia?
And, yes, I certainly am curious as to why he retired back in 2004 and as of 03 May of that year is on ” is on indefinite leave from active ministry.” He’s 66 now so would have been all of 56 at the time. Did something of significance happen in 2004?
Any information regarding Father Gwyn is most welcome.
I commend the complainant for coming forward. Please keep him in your prayers.
*****
Cast is due for removal tomorrow
Enough for now,
Sylvia