Wilbur Dedam sex-crime trial told home 'not a party place'

Irene Dedam said her home on Esgenoôpetitj First Nation "was not a party place" as she was cross-examined in the trial of her husband of 43 years, former chief Wilbur Dedam.

Three women accusing Wilbur Dedam of sex crimes have given contradictory testimony in the trial, saying there were often parties at the Dedam home.

Dedam, 62 is on trial in the Court of Queen's Bench in Miramichi for six charges of sexual abuse of the three women when they were teenagers or younger, between 1977-85.

• Wilbur Dedam's wife testifies in his defence in sex-crime trial

One of the accusers testified she held Irene Dedam's hair several times when she was sick from drinking. Irene Dedam testified she rarely drank.

Irene Dedam said she and her husband smoked marijuana when they were younger, but she quit in 1979 and her husband quit before that.

She said she "never ever" smoked marijuana during the time she was close with the women who are now accusing her husband of abusing them.

"My place was not a party place," she said.

Babysitting denied

Dedam again said that one of the accusers never once babysat for her, countering the woman's testimony that she was abused while babysitting.

Irene Dedam did concede she sometimes went to play bingo. The Crown noted there has been testimony that assaults happened when she was at bingo.

Irene Dedam was also questioned about a fight between her husband and one of his accusers. She took a long time to answer and looked often at her husband.

When questioned about the specifics of living situations and happenings during the time of the allegations, Irene Dedam often answered "I don't recall."

Final witness Monday

The final witness in the trial is to be called on Monday.

Closing arguments are scheduled for Tuesday.

On Wednesday, the six men and six women on the jury will be given instructions by Justice Tracey DeWare before retiring to deliberate.​

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