Penticton councillor on trial for sex crimes calls Crown’s questions ‘moronic’

The Penticton city councillor and newspaper editor on trial in Ontario for historic sex crimes lashed out during cross examination today.

James Miller is facing multiple allegations of historic sexual abuse against two boys in Sarnia, Ontario dating back to 1989. It’s the second of two trials this month, coming 20 years after he was acquitted of similar charges.

Miller, 62, testified in his own defence in both current trials. Today, May 26, he returned to the stand for cross examination by Crown prosecutor Suzanne LaSha.

At one point during his hours of cross-examination, she questioned Miller about what types of activities he might do with a person whom he was dating. Miller entertained the questions with anecdotes about activities he has done with his wife, but the interaction took a turn when LaSha asked about his outings with the young basketball players.

“My proposition to you, sir, is that you were not coaching. You were dating this young boys, and you dated a number of these young boys,” she said.

That’s when Miller appeared to become frustrated.

“I find your accusation incredibly moronic and a stretch,” he responded.

LaSha suggested Miller’s offending stopped when he no longer had time and “exhausted” his opportunities to date the boys because he started dating his now-wife more than 20 years ago.

“I find what you’re saying to be dishonest and offensive,” he said.

She said the judge had invited defence lawyer Donald Elliot to ask Miller if he was attracted to young boys.

“He didn’t ask the question, but I will, sir. I’m going to suggest that you are attracted to young boys,” she said.

“And I suggest that you’re wrong, and I consider you to be offensive in your questioning,” Miller responded.

He also called one of the alleged victims a “sociopath” for the second time, accusing the now-adult of bullying and threatening him over the phone prior to the new charges being laid.

Miller’s defence called three other witnesses to testify Tuesday.

Two of them said they knew Miller at the time of the alleged offences but didn’t see concerning behaviour. One was a former player on the youth basketball team and the other was the principal of the school.

The judge couldn’t see how the third man’s evidence was relevant to the case as he only knew Miller ten years after the alleged offences.

Lawyers will return to the Sarnia courtroom Thursday for closing arguments.

It’s not clear when the judge will deliver a verdict in either of the two recent trials.