RCMP is charging a Banff city councillor with sexual assault fees for an alleged incident in late 2023.
Hugh Pettigrew, 65, has been handed the cost concerning an alleged incident with a girl on Dec. 23. Nonetheless, stories point out Pettigrew denies the accusations.
Throughout his first courtroom date on March 13, the decide ordered a publication ban on any proof that would establish the complainant. Pettigrew didn’t seem in courtroom.
Banff Mayor, Corrie DiManno addressed the matter in town’s web site, saying council is “extraordinarily involved concerning the allegations,” and they’re going to respect the justice system course of.
“Whatever the final result of this particular case, this can be very necessary for Council to claim that any allegation of harassment, violence or abuse, by anybody within the office or in the neighborhood, is of highest concern that we must always all take very severely,” her assertion reads.
Whatever the alleged behaviour introduced ahead, DiManno emphasised that they need to be taken severely.
“Irrespective of the diploma of inappropriate behaviour that’s alleged, or the placement, the person affected should be empowered to talk up, and the suitable authorities should be given the chance to evaluate the circumstances of the allegation,” she stated.
“We care about making certain that each one members of the neighborhood who we serve can reside and work in a secure, wholesome, and respectful setting. We is not going to tolerate inappropriate behaviour of any sort, and we respect anybody who has the braveness to establish inappropriate behaviour to the authorities.”
She continued to say that because the matter progresses via the courtroom system, she will likely be convening with councillors to debate any out there recourse beneath the city’s code of conduct bylaw.
In accordance with Alberta’s Municipal Governments Act, elected officers can proceed serving even whereas going through legal fees, however could be disqualified if convicted of a legal offence.
Pettigrew will likely be showing in courtroom on April 10.
Sexual assault consists of touching, vaginal penetration, anal penetration, oral intercourse, and compelled undesirable kissing, in line with the RCMP.
