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WEDNESDAY, February 18, 2015
VOL. 37 NO. 51 $1.30 inc. GST
Guilty on all counts Former Fort St. James fire chief convicted of sexual assualt REBECCA WATSON Caledonia Courier
Former Fort. St. James fire chief Robert Bennett, 51, was found guilty Friday of sexually assaulting three female firefighters. The incidents leading to the charges spanned six and a half years, starting Jan. 1, 2007. Although their identities are protected by law, the three women chose to speak publicly about the case. “Everybody told the truth, well not everybody, but we got the right verdict,” Kirstin Rudolph ,46, said, one of three. “Now if people are on the fence they’ll know which way to go.” Rudolph lodged her complaint in July 2013, prompting two other women to come forward. The court heard that in two instances, Bennett groped the women multiple times, including touching their breasts. In a third situation, he locked a woman in a room and tried to have sex with her. All three women were volunteer firefighters when Bennett was fire chief. During the trial which commenced Jan. 25, B.C. Supreme Court Justice Glen Parrett heard testimony from the three women and seven other members of the Fort St. James fire department, past and present. Last Friday, Justice Parrett read a lengthy statement to the court before passing the guilty verdict. In his address, he reviewed some of the evidence and testimony heard during the court proceedings. Parrett noted that Rudolph told the court that on a number of occasions Bennett grabbed her by the buttocks and pulled on her ponytail. Lisa Button, 48, offered similar testimony, having numerous inappropriate encounters with Bennett. The third victim, Joy Reierson, 46, testified that in February 2013, Bennett took her to a spare room after training practise and shut the door before placing his hand on hers. Reierson described asking him to stop and effectively being wrestled to the floor, with Bennett kissing her hard. She told the court Bennett exposed himself before a knock on the door gave her a way to escape. Parrett acknowledged that Bennett’s defence lawyer had argued Reierson was not disheveled when fellow volunteers opened the door and did not complain about the incident at the time. Defence suggested Reierson should not be believed with no evidence of sexual assault in the
locked room. “Indeed the court must prove the touch was of sexual nature, but the fact she wasn’t dishevelled or crying at that stage is not surprising,” Parrett said. “Laughter emerges from people in many circumstances – one is to divert attention in embarrassment. People react differently to stress and drama, especially when under pressure.” Witness Bryan Rivard, 20, described the fire department atmosphere as being “a lot of touching, not inappropriately, but friendly.” Kelly Burdeniuk, 45, deputy fire chief at the time, testified Bennett had become more comfortable with the women – “more hands-on, more touchy.” He described seeing that more frequently over the past three to four years. Fifty-three-year-old witness Steve Karey admitted Bennett would get a little carried away with “guy stuff and bantering,” and described him changing over time with “no filter.” He told the court he was embarrassed by Bennett’s remarks and “would never talk like that to a female himself.” Bryan Schneps 51, third in command at the time, described that on July 18, 2013 he went to the fire hall to visit Bennett. “I believe he was twisting Kirstin’s ponytail ...” Mr. Schneps said, who didn’t recall any conversation, “… but if words were spoken by Bennett, they were probably said as a joke.” Justice Parrett remarked, “His evidence was so out of touch with rest of the testimonies from that day I felt it was necessary to remind Bryan he was under oath.” Parrett found Mr. Schneps’ evidence “totally unworthy of belief.” Witness Jon Benison described frequent bantering between Bennett and Kirstin, and testified that Bennett was “intoxicated and clumsy” on specific occasions. Unit chief Mark Rivard, 47, testified Bennett’s relationship with the volunteers had changed over time, in part due to alcohol. He described his actions as being “grossly inappropriate” with some of the female firefighters. Another volunteer firefighter at the time of the complaints testified they did not witness improper conduct by Bennett, either physically or verbally. In his closing remarks, Justice Parrett stated, “There is a constant theme that emerges with alcohol use and touching the female volunteers. The second theme is a general want to protect women from the accused. He claims his intent was meant to be humorous but with most respect, nothing could be farther from the truth.” Bennett was convicted on all three counts and released with conditions with a pre-sentencing date set for Feb. 23. The sentencing will likely be set for four to six weeks from that time. “It’s not over yet. We have a guilty verdict which is excellent but hopefully the justice continues with the sentencing,” Rudolph said.
Photo by Rebecca Watson
FUN: Sadie Bialuski 12, is seen skiing at the Teck Northern Cup in Vanderhoof Saturday Feb. 14. REBECCA WATSON Caledonia Courier
The Teck Northern Cup took place in Vanderhoof Saturday and was a fun-filled ski race for all ages. The sky was blue with enjoyable crisp air and people came from all around Nechako Lakes to participate. First the young group went followed by older kids and then adults. Races from .75 kilometers to 10 km had skiers zipping through the trails at the Nechako Valley Sporting Association. The sound of a cow bell rang as skiers slid through the finish line. Those who choose to ski the entire 10km showed great strength at the end approaching the final hill with arms flapping and legs working hard to make it to the finish. Everyone had a smile the entire time.
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