BishopAccountability.org
	Charges against Former Placentia Parish Priest Dismissed Judge Rules Not Enough Evidence to Go to Trial By Linda Browne The Charter November 6, 2007 http://www.thecharter.ca/index.cfm?sid=77893&sc=312 A Roman Catholic priest charged with sexual assault and sexual exploitation back in March has had both charges dismissed. On March 8, Father Wayne Dohey, who at the time was practicing at Sacred Heart Parish in Placentia, was arrested and charged with the offences which apparently stemmed from an investigation into allegations of sexual misconduct with a young person between 1996 and 2000. The charges were laid after a woman in her 20s approached church officials in 2001complaining about the alleged incidents, which she said occurred when she was 14, at which time Dohey was assigned to a Burin Peninsula parish. At the time, she said she did not wish to press criminal charges. Apparently, counselling was offered to both the woman and Dohey. Dohey was placed on administrative leave after the charges were laid. But this past Thursday, Dohey was given a full discharge following a preliminary hearing at provincial court in Grand Bank. The preliminary hearing took place over four days in late August and early September. Judge Harold Porter ruled on Thursday that there was not enough evidence to go to trial. "I am of the opinion that, on the whole of the evidence, no sufficient case is made out to put the accused on trial for the offences charged," he stated in his ruling. Porter then went on to say that his duty, as set out in the Criminal Code, was to see that the accused be discharged on both counts. "Since the accused has been discharged on both counts, he is free to go on about his business." Due to a publication ban, no mention can be made of the evidence presented at the bail hearing or the identity of the alleged victim. Right now, Dohey's future rests in the hands of the Archdiocese of St. John's. Dohey will remain on leave for the time being, pending a review of Porter's decision. They say that while a decision has not yet been made with regards to Dohey's future, Archbishop Martin Currie will review the judge's ruling and make the final decision. Contact: editor@thecharter.ca
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