Sex crime case sparks protest in Prince George

Last Updated: Monday, September 10, 2007 | 8:59 PM PT

CBC News

Prostesters took to the streets in Prince George, B.C., on Monday to voice their concerns about a closed-door parole hearing for a former B.C. judge convicted in 2004 of sex crimes against aboriginal girls.

They were upset that they could not attend the hearing, which was to be held in Dorchester, N.B., where David Ramsay is incarcerated.

News of former B.C. judge David Ramsay's parole gambit sparked protests in Prince George, B.C., on Monday.
(CBC)

Last week, Ramsay waived his right to a public parole hearing — one where he would be forced to face some of his victims and their advocates.

Aboriginal leaders were among a group of about 50 demonstrators who attended the rally.

Ramsay has asked the National Parole Board to review his file after serving three years of a seven-year sentence for picking up underage, mostly aboriginal, sex-trade workers in Prince George. He sexually attacked one of them.

A Parole board spokeswoman has said Ramsay's file will now be reviewed by board members, probably this week, and a written decision will be released within the next several days.

Ramsay made the decision not to have a public hearing because interest was building around it. At least three of his victims had made arrangements to travel to New Brunswick to make their case against Ramsay's day parole request.

Among the aboriginal demonstrators who participated in Monday's rally was convicted sex offender Tom Mowat.

After finishing his jail sentence, Mowat said he completed treatment and sought counselling from elders, who advised him to face up to what he did and try to make amends.

Ramsay's decision 'pathetic and sad': protester

Mowat said that in his view it's, "pathetic and sad,'' that Judge Ramsay will not have to face some of his victims during his parole application.

"And wer'e asking the justice system to protect us native people?" he said

Advocates for Ramsay's victims say the decision is just another example of how the justice system works for the benefit of the offender rather than the victims.