WCAX
August 25, 2008
http://www.wcax.com/Global/story.asp?S=8893701&nav=4QcS
Closing arguments are being heard today in another priest sex abuse lawsuit.
The plaintiff is a former altar boy who claims that 30 years ago, former Vermont Bishop John Marshall knowingly failed to protect him from a known pedophile priest, Edward Paquette.
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The plaintiff is seeking $6 to $12 million in damages.
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"They were making a choice that we are going to expose your kids to the risk of being in the presence on a regular basis with that predator. No parent, no parent if they had known the full history would have ever opted for that choice. But they were never given that choice. The choice was made for them by the bishop," said John Evers, the plaintiff's lawyer.
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Lawyers for the diocese argue that the plaintiff did not file the lawsuit until 30 years after the incident-- when he learned about the recent payouts by the diocese to settle the lawsuits.
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The diocese has lost two cases decided by a jury. Earlier this year, a former victim of the Reverend Paquette was awarded a record $8.7 million in damages.
A jury will begin deliberations in this priest abuse case this afternoon.
Brian Joyce will have the latest tonight on the Channel 3 News at 6 p.m.
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