BishopAccountability.org
	Father Cloutier Released on Bail By Laurel Myers Northern Life November 11, 2009 http://www.northernlife.ca/news/policeandCourt/2009/nov/cloutier-bail-111109.aspx On Nov. 10, one day after Father Bernard Cloutier was sentenced to five years in prison , the parish priest was granted bail until his case is heard before the Ontario Court of Appeal. The parish priest was sentenced to Nov. 9, after being convicted of four counts each of indecent assault and gross indecency, as well as two counts of sexual assault, against four victims, boys between 12 and 17 years of age at the time. The events were alleged to have taken place over a period of nine years, from 1974-1983, while Cloutier was a parish priest in Sudbury, Chelmsford and Espanola. Defence lawyer Greg Ellies said the appeal will be heard after the trial transcripts have been prepared, which could take up to three months. As part of his release, Cloutier has been ordered to turn himself back into custody by March 10, 2010. However, if the transcripts aren't ready, or enough time hasn't passed for the lawyers to prepare, then the accused will have to be re-released at that time. Ellies was unaware of any conditions placed on his client pending his release on bail, but said "the court of appeal did not express any concerns about Father Cloutier being a risk at all while he's out." Common risks include the accused fleeing the jurisdiction, or interfering with the administration of justice by speaking with witness. "None of those concerns exist here," the lawyer said.
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