The trial for the previous director of what was previously known as Legacy Christian Academy continues for a second day with three extra witnesses taking the stand.
John Olubobokun is going through 9 counts of assault with a weapon.
He’s accused of beating college students with a picket, cricket bat-like paddle in school and of their properties for dangerous behaviour.
Olubobokun was in courtroom on Tuesday the place he denied all of the allegations in opposition to him.
On Wednesday three new witnesses took the stand, together with Olubobokun’s spouse.
She testified in assist of her husband and denied any paddling of scholars occurred following the 2004 Supreme Court docket ruling.
The ruling said that corporal punishment ought to solely be utilized by dad and mom or these parental positions for corrective functions, and never by academics or utilized in a dangerous or degrading method.
Lynette Weiler, the college’s former volleyball coach, took the stand subsequent confirming she did coach Caitlin Erickson.
Erikson testified earlier within the trial.
She is a former pupil who’s alleging abuse and is main the launch of a $25 million civil lawsuit in opposition to former employees members of the college.
Erikson additionally created a podcast offering commentary on the continued instances and speaking with different alleged victims known as The Legacy of Abuse.
Whereas Weiler was on the stand she denied witnessing or being aware of any paddling whereas she was on the college.
Nevertheless, throughout her cross-examination, it was revealed Weiler is, in actual fact, one of many former employees members named within the $25 million lawsuit.
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Prosecutor Sheryl Fillo requested if Weiler was involved that by admitting to witnessing paddling, she would put her in a compromising place in her personal case.
She mentioned no, persevering with to disclaim being conscious to the alleged abuse.
Daybreak Beaudry, a former trainer, was the ultimate defence witness.
She said she was by no means concerned in any disciplinary actions taken by the college.
Nevertheless, she did cite a notable enhance in “strictness” when Olubobokun turned director.
“I believe we have been all conscious that if guidelines have been damaged, he was going to cope with them,” mentioned Beaudry. “I believe it put some worry within the college students as nicely.”
Ron Piché, Olubobokun’s lawyer spoke to the media for the primary time on Wednesday.
“There’s plenty of what we see as contradictions within the proof within the case of the Crown,” Piché said.
“There’s additionally different authorized points. Not a number of them, however one among them has to do with corporal punishment, which continues to be on the books.”
Piché mentioned why it was essential for Olubobokun to take the stand he mentioned it’s just because “he’s telling the reality.”
Piché was clear there was a cause he had not spoken to media till now.
“One of many causes I simply need to communicate to the media now could be I’ve discovered that the continual impromptu press conferences known as by one of many leaders, the complainants, I don’t assume was applicable.”
Including one of many alleged sufferer’s commentary might have affected the case.
“I’m very essential of that’s chatting with the press each alternative. I don’t assume that’s honest. I believe it might have tainted witnesses. Had it been a jury trial, there would have been purposes for missed trials, as a consequence of her fixed commentary a couple of case that’s in progress,” mentioned Piché.
Erickson spoke to the media on Tuesday and mentioned whereas she’s not stunned, she’s assured she and different former college students will get justice.
“It’s actually not shocking,” Erickson mentioned. “When there’s no defence, deny is the best way to go, I assume, as a result of he’s denied all the pieces.”
Erickson mentioned that being in the identical room as Olubobokun introduced up a number of feelings.
“I imply, there’s plenty of feelings, one being absolute disgust with having your abuser as a baby sitting throughout from you in a courtroom. It’s by no means an excellent feeling,” Erickson mentioned.
However Erickson says ultimately it was all price it to get justice.
“He’s left means too many victims. And the quantity of scholars that he has harmed. You already know, we’re a really small portion, and we’re representing a really great amount of those that have been harmed by this man,” Erickson mentioned.
“I consider that the justice system goes to do their job.”
Coy Nolin, a former pupil and alleged sufferer spoke to the media following Wednesday’s trial, saying, “There’s a little bit little bit of shock listening to simply denial.”
“We’re simply upset to listen to that after once more, there’s going to be one other adjournment,” Nolin mentioned.
Nolin says this trial being delayed a lot seems like “there’s a darkish cloud over us.”
“It’s laborious sufficient coming ahead within the first place,” Nolin mentioned, “after which simply having it drawn out time and again.”
Nolin says he continues to indicate as much as present his assist for the others affected.
“I’m simply attempting to be right here simply to assist the opposite survivors which have come ahead. However, you recognize, to be right here for myself and get a little bit little bit of justice, hopefully.”
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