Woodstock council sends mayor on paid leave 2 months after sexual assault charges laid
Trevor Birtch is scheduled to make his first court appearance in May
The mayor of Woodstock, Ont. has stepped down from his leadership role but will still collect a paycheque while awaiting his day in court for sexual assault charges.
Trevor Birtch is accused of three counts of assault, including sexual assault with choking, related to incidents that took place between Feb. 14 and Dec. 13, 2021. The same woman is named as the alleged victim in all three incidents.
Birtch, 46, initially refused to take a leave, and he had the support of council, who said the mayor was not legally required under the Municipal Act to step down. Councillors said Birtch could face the charges in court.
On Thursday, two months after taking this position, council voted unanimously on a motion that sees Birtch take a leave with pay. The mayor was not in attendance for the vote, and there was no public debate.
Birtch was removed from his post as vice-chair on the Police Services Board the day after the charges were laid in order to maintain integrity and inspire public confidence.
Birtch is scheduled to appear in court on May 2 and has not made himself available for comment.
He is subject to a restraining order to stay 100 metres away from the alleged victim and two other women.