An update on a story of Breach of Trust
An update on a story we brought you last winter ...
Today, James Wilks, Petty Officer Second Class, now retired, faces a court martial in Ottawa. We first told you about him in February, in a documentary by our producer Howard Goldenthal.
- Listen to the documentary: Breach of Trust
James Wilks was found guilty of one case of sexual assault and two charges of Breach of Trust in 2011. He returns to a military court today to face more charges and more alleged victims.
When the documentary first aired, a publication ban required us to refer to the young woman as RW. The CBC argued for a lifting of the ban, and this month the judge agreed.
RW, can now be identified as Robi Williams. Last year Wilks was convicted of breach of trust in his examination of Robi Williams.
Phillip Millar is a former Canadian army Captain and Robi's lawyer. His clients will be testifying in the court martial of James Wilks.
Both Phil Millar and Robi Williams were in our Ottawa studio.
Below is the ruling in CBC's challenge of the publication ban on naming Robi Williams
We asked for an interview with James Wilks' lawyer Major David Hodson. He sent us this statement.
"With the Court Martial starting on Wednesday, 25th September, I am not willing to comment on, or discuss same. Regardless, everyone facing criminal charges is entitled to a presumption of innocence, and the prosecution will have to provide evidence of guilt that is beyond a reasonable doubt before an accused is convicted. The presumption of innocence is a fundamental right that is integral to Canadian democracy and Rule of Law. Accordingly, PO Wilks will be providing full answer and defence to the charges he is facing".
This segment was produced by The Current's Howard Goldenthal.