Close X
Thursday, January 16, 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

    Home Sales Rebounded In December Following Large Drop In November: CREA

    Home Sales Rebounded In December Following Large Drop In November: CREA
    TORONTO — Home sales are not going to be as big of a boost to the Canadian economy this year as they were in 2016, the Canadian Real Estate Association said Monday as it released its latest batch of figures.

    Home Sales Rebounded In December Following Large Drop In November: CREA

    City Of Surrey Selected As One Of Canada’s Top Employers For Young People

    City Of Surrey Selected As One Of Canada’s Top Employers For Young People
    The City of Surrey has been recognized for its efforts in developing young people within the organization and helping them build and advance their careers. 

    City Of Surrey Selected As One Of Canada’s Top Employers For Young People

    Community Of Merritt, B.C., Rallies To Find Work For Laid-Off Tolko Employees

    Community Of Merritt, B.C., Rallies To Find Work For Laid-Off Tolko Employees
    MERRITT, B.C. — Another day-long jobs fair is being held in Merritt, B.C., as the Nicola Valley city tries to find work for about 200 unemployed workers.

    Community Of Merritt, B.C., Rallies To Find Work For Laid-Off Tolko Employees

    Book Review: A Destructive Demoness From The Ramayana Or Tormented Woman?

    Book Review: A Destructive Demoness From The Ramayana Or Tormented Woman?
    Like the space-time it is set in, Hindu mythology too seems to trace a circular course -- in fiction. 

    Book Review: A Destructive Demoness From The Ramayana Or Tormented Woman?

    Schoolmate Testifies At Winnipeg Murder Trial About Last Day Girl Was Seen Alive

    Schoolmate Testifies At Winnipeg Murder Trial About Last Day Girl Was Seen Alive
    WINNIPEG — A Winnipeg murder trial is hearing about the last day a 13-year-old girl was seen alive.

    Schoolmate Testifies At Winnipeg Murder Trial About Last Day Girl Was Seen Alive

    Two Richest Canadians Have As Much Wealth As Poorest 30 Per Cent: Report Says

    Two Richest Canadians Have As Much Wealth As Poorest 30 Per Cent: Report Says
    The wealth of billionaire businessmen David Thomson and Galen Weston Sr. equals that of about 11 million Canadians.

    Two Richest Canadians Have As Much Wealth As Poorest 30 Per Cent: Report Says