Court date of priest accused of fraud postponed

Father Joe LeClair of Ottawa charged fraud, theft, and breach of trust

Father Joe LeClair.

The B.C. Catholic has Deborah Gyapong's report that Father Joe LeClair's first court appearance for allegedly ripping off his parish will be moved to September:

Father LeClair, 55, who admitted last year to a gambling addiction and had previously publicly discussed his battle with depression, did not come to court when Lawyer Kim Hyslop, acting for Father LeClair’s defence counsel Matthew Webber, asked the court for more time for evidence disclosure.

“This is a complex matter and we anticipate there being lengthy disclosure,” Hyslop said.

About 10 apparent supporters of the popular priest were in the courtroom when his name was read and Hyslop rose to speak.  They filed out en masse when the new date was set.

Read the full story at The B.C. Catholic website.