National

Toronto Pastor-Activist Pleads Not Guilty To Nova Scotia Sex Assault Charge

Darpan News Desk The Canadian Press, 11 Apr, 2016 12:23 PM

KENTVILLE, N.S. — A prominent Toronto pastor has pleaded not guilty to decades-old sex-crime allegations in Nova Scotia.

Reverend Brent Hawkes is accused of indecent assault and gross indecency related to allegations of a sexual assault in the 1970s.

As expected, Hawkes did not appear in provincial court today in Kentville. Halifax lawyer Joel Pink appeared on behalf of Hawkes' lawyer, Clayton Ruby.

Not guilty pleas were entered on the charges and trial dates set for seven days starting Nov. 14.

Hawkes — a gay rights advocate who officiated at former NDP leader Jack Layton's state funeral in 2014 — has maintained his innocence and says he will fight the accusations.

Prev Next

MORE National ARTICLES

'He Did Everything For The Art:' Toller Cranston's Final Paintings Come Home

CALGARY — The final paintings of Canadian figure-skating great Toller Cranston have returned home after his untimely death in Mexico more than a year ago.

'He Did Everything For The Art:' Toller Cranston's Final Paintings Come Home

Cocaine, Alcohol Use Can Increase Suicide Risk

Using cocaine and alcohol together at the same time can lead to an increased risk of committing a suicide, warns a study.

Cocaine, Alcohol Use Can Increase Suicide Risk

'Limited Programs' In Criminal Justice System For Aboriginals, Mentally Ill

OTTAWA — The "limited services and programs" in the Canadian justice system focused on aboriginals and the mentally ill pose obstacles to helping reduce the over-representation of both groups as offenders and victims, says an internal federal study.

'Limited Programs' In Criminal Justice System For Aboriginals, Mentally Ill

TransCanada hopes to restart Keystone on Sunday after leak in South Dakota

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. — TransCanada says it hopes to restart its Keystone pipeline on Sunday after a leak in South Dakota forced it to shut down the cross-border line for the past week.