Victims set to face Bruce Escott in court on Friday, but defence delays sentencing
Crown argues further hold-up could 'derail things' with co-accused's trial looming
Bruce Escott is slated to hear from his alleged victims on Friday in a St. John's courtroom, when the 82-year-old pleads guilty to sexual offences involving youths. His sentencing, however, will be pushed to a later date.
Escott's lawyer, MacKenzie Hughes, attempted to delay the entire hearing, but Crown prosecutor Deidre Badcock opposed that proposal.
After hearing arguments on Thursday afternoon, Judge Phyllis Harris decided on a compromise — Escott's guilty pleas and convictions would be registered on Friday, but his sentencing would happen later.
"I'm so anxious to get this completed," Badcock told the court. "I don't want to make this seem like it's the most important file, but it is an important file given that there are other implications that go along with this."
Escott is facing 14 charges involving allegations of sexual offences against six alleged victims. He agreed in July to plead guilty to a single count of sexual interference as a placeholder while the Crown and defence worked out his final plea deal.
He stands jointly accused with 63-year-old Tony Humby, who was his neighbour in the Ann Jeannette trailer park in St. John's. Police have alleged the men worked together to abuse youths.
Humby is facing 72 charges involving youths. He's pleaded not guilty to 33 offences so far, and is set for trial in March. No pleas have yet been entered on 39 additional counts filed two months ago.
A delay on Friday would have pushed Escott's case into January or February, which would be drawing close to Humby's trial dates.
If Escott's convictions were not entered by the time Humby began his trial, Badcock feared Escott would also have to stand trial, as they are jointly accused.
"It may completely derail things, and I want to avoid that," she said.
Hughes was asking for a delay because he was late receiving Escott's pre-sentence report, a key document that provides a picture of an offender's life and extenuating circumstances to inform the judge on sentencing.
Hughes said he also hasn't had a chance to review the agreed statement of facts with Escott. Harris suggested he do that on Friday morning, after the pleas are entered and convictions are registered.
Once that happens, Badcock indicated, the potential for complications in March would be avoided.
Badcock said at least three people have submitted victim impact statements. One has told CBC News he intends to be there in person, to face Escott for the first time in years as he talks about the effects Escott's alleged abuse had on his life.
Escott was moved to the Bishop's Falls Correctional Centre soon after his arrest in April 2023. Hughes said he was transported back to the lockup in St. John's this week, and will attend court in person on Friday.
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