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There is some evidence to weigh as to whether a Calgary preacher breached his bail conditions after his arrest for protesting drag library readings, a judge ruled Thursday.
Justice Karen Molle rejected an application by defence lawyer Ben Allison to dismiss five of the seven charges against Derek Scott Reimer on the basis there was no evidence of his guilt.
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The Calgary Court of Justice judge agreed with prosecutor Matt Dalidowicz that if the Crown’s evidence is accepted, there is support for a potential finding of guilt.
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Reimer, 37, faces four charges of breaching conditions of a March 22 release order granted following his arrest for allegedly causing a disturbance and committing mischief at a Reading With Royalty event at a public library.
He also faces a charge of criminally harassing Shannon Slater, a worker at the Saddletowne library, who organized a reading session where drag kings or queens read stories to children, as well as two further allegations of causing a disturbance.
Reimer’s trial on his initial charges began in September and is slated to continue next month.
Allison had argued Molle should dismiss the harassment charge based on the fact there was no evidence to support the allegation Reimer repeatedly engaged in communication with Slater on March 27.
“Mr. Allison asks for a directed verdict on the basis there is no evidence of repeated communication,” Molle noted.
“The only communication with Ms. Slater was Mr. Reimer’s alleged visit to the Saddletowne library,” the judge said.
But she said a Facebook post allegedly penned by Reimer “encourages like-minded individuals to communicate with Ms. Slater by calling the library and asking to speak with her.”
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Based on that as well as an alleged threat by Reimer to return to the library Molle said “the Crown’s evidence, if believed, would be reasonable for a properly instructed jury to infer Mr. Reimer’s guilt.
“In other words, that there were repeated indirect communications that led to Ms. Slater fearing for her safety.”
The post reads: “Shannon Slater manager of Saddletowne Calgary Public Library thinks it’s okay to have a pervert grooming drag queen story hour involving little children this Tuesday.”
The message goes on to say “if you’re appalled at this as well she can be reached” at the library’s number.
Molle also granted an application by Dalidowicz to amend the dates on two of the charges leading Allison to say he will have to consult with his client to determine if previous witnesses will need to be recalled.
As a result, the trial has been adjourned and a continuation date will be set on Nov. 14.
KMartin@postmedia.com
X: @KMartinCourts
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