BishopAccountability.org
	Dunlop Saga Trumps Inquiry Standard Freeholder March 7, 2008 http://www.standard-freeholder.com/ArticleDisplay.aspx?e=932862 Despite what his legion of loyal, diehard supporters contend, Perry Dunlop is in jail today, many miles away from his family, because he has foolishly defied the justice system by refusing to answer a demand that he testify at the Cornwall Public Inquiry. For that act of defiance, the former Cornwall police officer is paying a severe penalty. He will spend at least the next six months in jail. Unfortunately for the inquiry, established to delve into institutional - police, Roman Catholic Church, probation office, children's aid society and others - response to complaints of sexual abuse, Dunlop's defiance and subsequent jailing has created a sideshow. There has been far more outside media attention given to the Dunlop capers than to the inquiry and evidence given by a slew of victims. Once again, Perry Dunlop has grabbed centre stage with the victims serving as a supporting cast. Ironically, it was Dunlop and his supporters who campaigned for years to have the provincial government set up the inquiry. They now call the inquiry a sham and a miscarriage of justice. The system has given - and continues to give - Dunlop ample opportunity to commute his sentence by agreeing to take the stand at the inquiry. His refusal leaves the court with no choice but to protect the integrity of the system. Thus the jail sentence. Dunlop over the years has crafted an image as a crusader for victims of abuse . . . someone who stood up to the system on their behalf. Yet, after encouraging victims and alleged victims to come forth with their stories, he refuses to join them on the witness stand. He has let them down.
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