Bruce Escott, charged with sexual abuse of minors, pondering plea deal

Bruce Escott, one of two St. John's neighbours accused of committing sexual crimes against minors, is considering a guilty plea.

Escott, 81, appeared via video from the Bishop's Falls correctional centre Friday when his case was called in St. John's provincial court. 

Defence lawyer MacKenzie Hughes told Judge Mike Madden he is currently reviewing "the best offer" from the Crown.

The case is scheduled to return to court at the end of the month, when it's expected Escott will enter a plea. 

Escott is facing more than a dozen charges — one of them an alleged sexual assault that dates back to 1995.

Tony Humby, 63, his co-accused, is facing more than 30 charges, including sexual assault, sexual interference and sexual exploitation.

Humby, who has pleaded not guilty, is scheduled for a seven-week trial from the beginning of July through the end of August.

According to court documents, the earliest allegations against Humby date back to 2004. The most recent date to 2022.

The two men both live on the same street in a trailer park near the airport in St. John's.

Last summer, two months after they were initially charged, the Royal Newfoundland Constabulary descended on the neighbourhood with warrants to search their homes.

Altogether, there are a dozen alleged victims, with some of the offences occurring when complainants were under the age of 16.

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