Former school guidance counsellor pleads not guilty to 3 sex charges against minor

A former school guidance counsellor who has been charged with sex crimes against a minor has pleaded not guilty in P.E.I. Supreme Court.

Bethany Jean Toombs, 41, was not in court Tuesday but her lawyer entered the pleas on her behalf on three charges: sexual interference, invitation to sexual touching, and sexual assault. 

The alleged victim is a minor whose identity is protected by a publication ban.

No trial dates have been set, but Toombs had previously opted to have her case tried before a judge and jury in the Supreme Court. 

"I think everyone's looking forward to having the matter resolved in court," defence attorney Chris Montigny told CBC News after entering the pleas.

Jury trial for former P.E.I. guidance counsellor inches closer as not-guilty pleas entered

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Duration 1:35

A former P.E.I. school guidance counsellor has pleaded not guilty to the three sex crimes she's accused of committing against a minor. The CBC's Nicola MacLeod explains what happened in court Tuesday.

Montigny had previously requested a preliminary hearing, a process held before a provincial court judge that's designed to determine whether there is enough evidence to proceed. In Toombs' case, the hearing had been scheduled for later this month.

However, the court heard on Tuesday that Attorney General Bloyce Thompson has used his power under the Criminal Code of Canada to direct an indictment in the case. That means it will go directly to trial without a preliminary hearing.  

"We did ask for it, but there is a process that exists that allows the minister to direct indictment. That was their choice," Montigny said. 

A fourth charge was originally laid: a violation of the provincial Cannabis Control Act for allowing a minor to use the substance. At an appearance in provincial court last month, though, the Crown told the court it did not intend to pursue that charge. 

Before her arrest in September, Toombs was a guidance counsellor at East Wiltshire School in Cornwall. The Public Schools Branch has said it is co-operating fully with the investigation and its procedure is to place employees facing such charges on leave.

Toombs was released on a number of conditions after being charged. Police have said they do not believe there are other alleged victims, and Toombs is not thought to pose a risk to the public.

The case is scheduled to be back in court April 8.