So, yes, it is indeed a Preliminary Hearing. The preliminary hearing for previously convicted moleter Father Barry McGrory started this morning (Tuesday, 03 March 2018) and will continue tomorrow (Wednesday 04 March 2018) at 10 am:
03-04 April 2018: 10 am, courtroom #10, Preliminary Hearing (161 Elgin St.)
Note the courtroom number. The room was listed on the court docket as 25c. When I arrived I was curtly told there is no courtroom 25c! Off to the counter and into the line-up! It’s courtroom #10.
In my efforts to sort out what is happening I spoke to several people, including the Crown (Lisa Miles) and investigating officer, but at the end of the day all I can tell you is that today and tomorrow is a preliminary hearing related to sex abuse allegations of three complainants.
As always with preliminary hearings, there is a publication ban so at this time I am unable to give details on testimony. There are I believe a total of seven charges stemming from the allegations of the three complainants. The charges, which include those of indecent assault, gross indecency and gross indecency with oral sex, date from the mid to the late 60s.
And yes, Father McGrory was there, sitting in the front row behind his lawyer, sporting a navy blazer, slate grey slacks, with shirt and blue and white striped tie. There were perhaps three women in his company around the courthouse: two of the women were in attendance in the courtroom throughout the hearing.
We did exchange a few very brief words, Father McGrory and I. I greeted him in the morning as he entered courtroom. He asked who I was.
After lunch – again as we entered the courtroom, I asked Father what progress is being made with regard to his laicization (defrocking). Initially he very calmly replied “I have no idea,” and then he literally exploded at me: “It’s none of your business anyway!”
He was really quite angry.
….
Please keep the complainants in your prayers.
Enough for now,
Sylvia