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

Stuckless Victims Tell Of Lifelong Suffering Due To Maple Leaf Gardens Abuse

Several of Gordon Stuckless's victims told a Toronto court Wednesday that they dropped out of school and sought relief in drugs and alcohol after the former usher, teacher and coach befriended and then abused them

Stuckless Victims Tell Of Lifelong Suffering Due To Maple Leaf Gardens Abuse

Search Ends With Gunfire After Man Shot Dead On Saskatchewan Reserv: RCMP

Police say the search for the suspect in a fatal shooting on a northern Saskatchewan reserve has ended with gunfire and the man's death.

Search Ends With Gunfire After Man Shot Dead On Saskatchewan Reserv: RCMP

Justin Trudeau Calls ISIS 'Terrorists' And 'Thugs' In Calgary TV Interview

"There's no question that ISIS are not a state," Trudeau told Global Television in Calgary.

Justin Trudeau Calls ISIS 'Terrorists' And 'Thugs' In Calgary TV Interview

Priest Prays At Plane Crash Site One Year Later: 'I Needed To Gain Some Closure'

For Trevor and Jennifer Lightfoot, the stark memories of an Air Canada crash landing one year ago leaves both unanswered safety questions and lingering trauma — both physical and mental.

Priest Prays At Plane Crash Site One Year Later: 'I Needed To Gain Some Closure'

Dalhousie University Medical Student William Sandeso Committed To Stand Trial On Murder Charge

The charge against Sandeson was laid Aug. 20, four days after Samson was reported missing in Halifax.

Dalhousie University Medical Student William Sandeso Committed To Stand Trial On Murder Charge

On The Rocky Shores Of Nova Scotia, Canada's Next Great Wine Region

Past the rocky, ocean-battered coastline of Nova Scotia is an unlikely tale of success: a burgeoning wine industry producing palate-pleasers that connoisseurs say can rival what Champagne, France has to offer.