Wilbur Dedam testifies in own defence in sex-crime trial
Former Esgenoôpetitj First Nation chief on trial for alleged sexual abuse dating back to 1977-85
Former Esgenoôpetitj First Nation chief Wilbur Dedam testifed in his own defence Monday in his trial on six sex-related charges, stating "that's not true" several times when questioned about the accusations against him.
Dedam, 64, is on trial at the Court of Queen's Bench in Miramichi, N.B., for six charges of sexual abuse stemming from accusations by three women who say they were abused when they were teenagers or younger, between 1977-85.
Dedam lived close to his three accusers when they were young. The identities of the women are protected by a publication ban.
One of the accusers said Dedam abused her when she was babysitting for Dedam and his wife, Irene. Questioned by defence lawyer T. J. Burke about how often the accuser babysat for him, Dedam said "she never babysat" and said his sisters babysat for them.
Dedam testified he "barely talked" to the accuser and denied saying to her "I like you, you're pretty. Don't be afraid," and rubbing her leg.
Dedam also denied many of the specific allegations against him.
Burke also asked Dedam about the accusations of a second woman, who said she was assaulted by Dedam in his van. Dedam said his wife was driving the van on the night in question and there were three other people in the van, along with his accuser.
All three men in the vehicle had dark hair, brown skin and moustaches, he said.
Dedam said his wife drove them all home from a bar and he didn't see the woman and another man get out of the van as he and his friends went inside to have a drink.
Burke also asked Dedam about the third accuser's allegation that Dedam told her he wanted to make love to her and touched her leg.
"That's not true," he said.
The third woman had earlier testified she confronted Dedam about the abuse and he apologized to her.
"That's not true," he said.
Under cross-examination, Dedam was challenged about how he was able to remember details from 30 years ago.
"You remember it because you were sexually assaulting [the alleged victim] at the time," said Crown prosecutor Melanie MacAuley.
"That's not true," replied Dedam.
The Crown framed the relationship between Dedam and his accusers as something akin to a parental relationship, but Dedam denied it.
Closing arguments Tuesday
Justice Tracey DeWare said closing arguments by the defence and Crown will be made on Tuesday.
DeWare will give her instructions to the six-man, six-woman jury on Wednesday, after which they will be sequestered to deliberate their verdict.
- On mobile? Follow live blog of trial here
With files from Bridget Yard