Ontario Priest Convicted of 1979 Assault, by Tina Peplinskie, The CNews, November 25, 2011

Ontario Priest Convicted of 1979 Assault

By Tina Peplinskie
The CNews
November 25, 2011

http://cnews.canoe.ca/CNEWS/Crime/2011/11/25/19021531.html

Pembroke Roman Catholic priest Monsignor Robert Borne, left, makes his way into Pembroke court accompanied by supporters Father Peter Proulx, right, parish priest at St. Francis Xavier Parish in Renfrew, niece Jennifer Coleman-Davidson and sister Bonnie Coleman in this July 2010 photo. (QMI Agency)

A Roman Catholic priest has been found guilty of indecently assaulting a teenage boy in 1979.

Monsignor Robert Borne, 63, was also found guilty of gross indecency, but acquitted of the same charges in relation to another alleged assault in 1981.

Justice Julianne Parfett said she found the alleged victim from the 1981 events to be an unreliable witness because of the number of contradictions and inconsistencies in his testimony. But she also said Borne was evasive in his own testimony.

On the charges Borne was convicted on, Parfett said the victim's evidence was consistent throughout, adding he was “scrupulously honest” while giving his testimony.

Borne denied having non-consensual relations with either of the boys, who are now in their 40s.

He admitted to mutual groping between himself and a 16-year-old boy at a rectory in Griffith, Ont., located 150 km west of Ottawa, on a weekend when he was filling in for another priest.

He told the court he did not have any intentions of coming onto the boy. He said the teenager began telling him about a recent sexual encounter with a girl at a party when he was drunk. The teenager told the priest he didn't mind having sex with men or women, Borne testified.

It was after the discussion that the groping occurred.

Following the conviction, the Diocese of Pembroke issued a release expressing its sincere compassion to the individuals who brought forth the charges.

“We recognize the anguish with which they are struggling,” the release said. “These charges are challenging for all involved in the process. In respect to the decision rendered by the court, the Diocese of Pembroke continues to pledge pastoral concern to all involved in this matter.”

Bruce Pappin, spokesman for the diocese, confirmed Borne remains relieved of his duties within the church, which occurred when he was charged in 2009. The matter has been referred to the Vatican for further investigation.