All charges remained on the second day of the trial of the Manitoba priest accused of sexually abusing a girl

WARNING: This article may impact people who have experienced sexual violence or know someone who has.

A Manitoba priest accused of sexually assaulting a now nine-year-old girl in Little Grand Rapids First Nation last year has had all charges against him stayed, a day after the girl at the center of the case testified against him.

Arul Savari sat silently behind his lawyers in a Winnipeg courtroom Wednesday afternoon on what was supposed to be the second day of his trial, as Crown attorney Danielle Simard told the Court of King’s Bench. Judge Shawn Greenberg made the decision after carefully reviewing the evidence. in the case after the girl’s testimony.

“As the court knows, the process is very difficult for any witness, but even more so for a child. Prosecutors always go to great lengths to ensure that a witness is properly prepared to testify, and this case is no different. Simard said.

“Furthermore, it does not matter whether prosecutors believe a criminal offense has occurred or the impact of such allegations on an isolated community. Although it carries a lot of weight, it is not the decisive factor.”

Simard pointed to the Crown’s “ongoing and overarching legal and ethical responsibility” to ensure that the cases they prosecute have a reasonable chance of ending in a conviction as the reasoning behind the decision.

“It is not enough that something probably happened, but rather, ‘Does the evidence reasonably meet the test beyond a reasonable doubt?’” Simard said.

“It is consistent with our solemn obligation to deliver justice in a responsible and thoughtful manner that we must stay proceedings on all charges before this honorable court regarding Mr. Arul Savari.”

The girl, who cannot be identified due to a publication ban and who clutched a stuffed animal as she spoke in court Monday, said she remembered being scared that day when the priest took her to his bedroom in the church in the remote First Nation would have brought. about 265 kilometers northeast of Winnipeg.

The accusations she made against Savari, whom she called “Father Arul,” included him taking off his clothes, telling her he loved her, touching her legs and her stomach and kissing her.

Savari had pleaded not guilty to assault, sexual interference and forcible confinement.

Savari’s attorneys raised questions about some of the girl’s allegations, saying she did not share all the details that were ultimately reported when she initially told her mother what she said happened.

Defense attorney Tom Rees also noted inconsistencies Monday in the account the girl gave in her statement, including whether Savari’s underwear had been removed.

For anyone who has been sexually assaulted, support is available through crisis lines and local emergency services through the Ending Violence Association of Canada database. If you are in immediate danger or fear for your safety or the safety of others around you, call 911.