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Decision expected for N.L. lawyer seeking publication ban after sex assault charges

Aug 4, 2022 | 6:36 AM

ST. JOHN’S, N.L. — A decision from Canada’s highest court is expected today in the case of a Newfoundland lawyer seeking to shield his name from publication after he was charged with sexual assault.

The lawyer was charged last year with four counts of sexual assault involving the same complainant, and one count of sexual interference stemming from an incident alleged to have occurred when she was 12 years old.

He applied last July for a publication ban on his name and identifying details.

Supreme Court of Newfoundland and Labrador Justice Donald Burrage granted him an interim ban until his application could be heard in court.

In March, provincial Supreme Court Justice James Adams turned down his application, but the lawyer is appealing that decision to the Supreme Court of Canada.

Adams granted a stay on his ruling until the application for leave to appeal worked it way through the higher court.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Aug. 4, 2022.

The Canadian Press