Horrific child sex abuse case prompts amended youth policy

VICTORIA – A horrific child sexual abuse case thrown out of court after police and Crown officials bungled evidence has prompted the Criminal Justice Branch to amend its policy in handling sensitive prosecution cases.

The Criminal Justice Branch says it has changed its Child and Vulnerable Youth Policy to ensure senior justice officials review cases involving children where procedural or investigation barriers could affect a prosecution.

The branch and police also developed mutually-accepted guidelines to address issues of language translation requirements.

The changes arise after a 2012 report by B.C.’s representative for children, Mary Ellen Turpel-Lafond, revealed that 13 sex abuse-related charges against a father were stayed in January 2010 even though family members reported the alleged incidents to authorities and were prepared to testify.

The case against the father, who faced assault, threatening and incest charges, was stayed when a judge ruled the man’s rights were violated because it took too long to get the case to trial.

The Justice Ministry says it has enhanced its electronic case management system to highlight files involving child victims and witnesses in order to ensure special assignment and case management.