BishopAccountability.org
	Restraining Order Request against Priest Withdrawn By Pat Grossmith Union Leader October 6, 2006 http://www.unionleader.com/article.aspx?headline=Restraining+order+request+ against+priest+withdrawn&articleId=b748bbb7-2548-445e-8229-30b4dedf7425 Manchester – A woman who said a Roman Catholic priest sexually assaulted her yesterday withdrew her request for a restraining order against him. Attorney Brian W. Clickner of Goffstown, who represents the woman, told Manchester District Court Judge Thomas Rappa his client was withdrawing the petition because bail conditions on the criminal charges provide her with the same protections. He also said withdrawing the petition avoids putting the woman through "the anxiety of questioning today and being cross-examined" by the defense. The Rev. John Lawani, 40, of 145 Lowell St., was arrested and charged with nine misdemeanor offenses alleging he physically and sexually assaulted the 27-year-old mother of three children. On various dates between Oct. 29 and Sept. 6, he allegedly pushed her, thrust his pelvis back and forth against her buttocks, repeatedly kissed her on the cheek and neck, poked her in the breast, placed her hand on his crotch, grabbed her breasts with both hands and grabbed her with his arms and also by the wrist, preventing her from leaving his office at St. George Church, 516 Pine St. She obtained a temporary restraining order against Lawani on Sept. 7 after filing a stalking petition in District Court. The order barred him from going within 100 yards of her or having any contact with her in person or through third persons, or by telephone, letters, fax and e-mail. Bail conditions in the criminal cases, which remain in effect, also barred the priest from having any contact with her or going within 100 yards of her. Defense attorney John Kacavas, after the hearing, said the withdrawal of the petition was a surprise. However, he noted her attorney said "she did not want to face cross-examination, and I can tell you there is a reason for that. .€Š.€Š. She doesn't want to be cross-examined and be faced with the truth." Clickner, asked if his client feels threatened by Lawani, said he was not sure he could answer that, since it was a question for the woman. "There are criminal charges pending," he said. "We'll see how that goes." In her petition, the woman said she was fearful of the Nigerian-born priest, but Kacavas maintains she does not feel threatened by him and that he poses no threat to her. Yesterday, the third-floor courtroom was filled with spectators, the majority of whom supported Lawani. The priest was on loan from Nigeria to the Diocese of Manchester, where he ministered to the city's growing African-born population. The woman came to the United States six years ago as a refugee from Africa. Lawani is free on $18,000 bail. A two-day trial is set for Nov. 30 and Dec. 1.
Any original material on these pages is copyright © BishopAccountability.org 2004. Reproduce freely with attribution.