For Immediate Release
September 28, 2008

ST. CATHARINES FAMILY SEEKS JUSTICE…AGAIN
“Taking issue ‘seriously’ has obviously not been enough” Elliott

(Queen’s Park) – Deputy Leader of the Official Opposition, MPP Christine Elliott (Whitby-Oshawa) questioned the Attorney General again today regarding the incomprehensible decision of one of his Senior Crown Attorneys.

Patricia Marshall caught a young man on videotape engaging in sexual indiscretions while watching her daughters through their windows.

Despite videotaped evidence and a properly obtained confession, a Senior Crown Attorney withdrew a charge of criminal harassment against the young man without notifying Ms. Marshall, as required by the Crown Policy Manual.

Last week, and again today, when questioned in the Legislature by Elliott, Bentley acknowledged that the conduct that affected the family was deeply disturbing. Today he said to the family, “I understand.” Yet, he continued to stand behind the decision of his Crown Attorney, failing to help ensure the Marshalls’ sense of security.

“I’ve heard the Attorney General say that he is taking the issue very seriously, but with all due respect’” said Elliott, “if he is taking it seriously, he will relay this charge; he has the ability to do that.”

“The Attorney General has a Crown Attorney who made a mistake”, said MPP Ted Chudleigh (Halton) and Attorney General Critic, “He has a responsibility to the Marshalls, and the people of Ontario, to fix it.”

“Let the judge decide,” said Elliott. “This is something that deserves to be heard.”

 

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For more information:

Sylvia Jones, MPP	Christine Elliott, MPP
519-941-7751	905-430-1141