No Decision Yet About Whether Charest Will Testify At His Sex Assault Trial
Close X
Wednesday, January 22, 2025
ADVT 
National

No Decision Yet About Whether Charest Will Testify At His Sex Assault Trial

Darpan News Desk The Canadian Press, 17 Mar, 2017 11:49 AM
    SAINT-JEROME, Que. — Lawyers for former ski coach Bertrand Charest said Thursday they still didn't know whether he will testify at his sex assault trial.
     
    Defence lawyer Jacky-Eric Salvant said the decision will be made over the weekend.
     
    Salvant said he and his co-counsel will present a defence with "key witnesses," regardless of whether Charest takes the stand.
     
    Charest, 51, is on trial on 57 charges, including sexual assault and breach of trust, in relation to 12 complainants between the ages of 12 and 19.
     
    The allegations date back to the 1990s, a few years before and during the time he worked for Alpine Canada's women's development team, between 1996 and 1998.
     
    On Thursday, a woman who had taken the stand last week and accused Charest of inappropriate touching, returned to complete her testimony.
     
    She had found an old journal as well as letters dating from the time she was one of his ski students, in the 1990s.
     
    The woman told the court that when she was 15, Charest told her he loved her.
     
    She said at the time she thought she was in love with him.
     
    In one of the letters Charest had written her, he said he hoped she would keep their relationship secret.
     
    The Crown is expected to present its final witness Friday when the 12th complainant testifies.
     
    Salvant predicted that the trial, including closing arguments, will be finished by the end of next week.

    MORE National ARTICLES

    British Columbia To Create 5,200 Additional Seats In Surrey Schools

    British Columbia To Create 5,200 Additional Seats In Surrey Schools
    Education Minister Mike Bernier says $217 million has been set aside for capital projects to add the spaces in the Surrey School District.

    British Columbia To Create 5,200 Additional Seats In Surrey Schools

    Vancouver Approves $2 Million To Help Frontline Workers Address Overdose Crisis

    Vancouver Approves $2 Million To Help Frontline Workers Address Overdose Crisis
    VANCOUVER — Councillors in Vancouver have approved more than $2 million in measures aimed at addressing the ongoing illicit drug overdose crisis.

    Vancouver Approves $2 Million To Help Frontline Workers Address Overdose Crisis

    B.C. Overdose Inquest Recommends Better Access To Addictions Treatment

    B.C. Overdose Inquest Recommends Better Access To Addictions Treatment
    Jurors at a coroner's inquest into the fatal overdose of a 20-year-old man in British Columbia have recommended the province improves treatment options for people struggling with addiction, including access to pharmaceutical-grade heroin.

    B.C. Overdose Inquest Recommends Better Access To Addictions Treatment

    WATCH: Toronto Cops Face Formal Complaint For Videoed Cellphone Threat, Aids Comment

    WATCH: Toronto Cops Face Formal Complaint For Videoed Cellphone Threat, Aids Comment
    Waseem Khan says he wants the Office of the Independent Police Review Director to hold them accountable.

    WATCH: Toronto Cops Face Formal Complaint For Videoed Cellphone Threat, Aids Comment

    Calgary Stepmom Convicted In Beating Death Of Girl, 6, Appeals To Supreme Court

    Calgary Stepmom Convicted In Beating Death Of Girl, 6,  Appeals To Supreme Court
    CALGARY — A Calgary woman serving a life sentence for murdering her six-year-old stepdaughter, Meika Jordan, is appealing to the Supreme Court of Canada.

    Calgary Stepmom Convicted In Beating Death Of Girl, 6, Appeals To Supreme Court

    Car Stolen In Newfoundland And Returned To Scene Of Crime A Day Later

    ST. JOHN'S, N.L. — Police in Newfoundland are scratching their heads after a pizza delivery man's car was stolen from a St. John's street — and returned to the scene of the crime a day later.

    Car Stolen In Newfoundland And Returned To Scene Of Crime A Day Later