A Saskatchewan man who was wrongfully accused of abusing his three foster children has settled out of court with a Saskatoon police officer.

Richard Klassen and 11 of his family members were charged in 1991 with abusing the children in bizarre and demonic ways.

Richard Klassen
Richard Klassen

Last December they won a malicious prosecution suit against Saskatoon police Supt. Brian Dueck, as well prosecutor Matt Miazga and therapist Carol Bunko-Ruys.

Klassen said Friday that Dueck has agreed to a settlement.

He says he cannot talk about the specifics of the settlement, adding that not even his wife Kari knew what was coming.

"It is a surprise to all parties," said Klassen, who is the only one of the 12 representing himself in the legal action. "It has been very difficult for me because I've had to keep this from my wife. She knew I was working on things."

The children claimed they were forced to take part in rituals in which they were forced to eat eyeballs, drink blood and watch newborns being skinned and buried.

Over the next several years, they withdrew their accusations.

The other 11 family members still have claims against the police officer, the therapist and the prosecutor. Klassen still has claims against Bunko-Ruys and Miazga.

Klassen said he decided to settle with Dueck because the fight has taken a heavy physical toll.

He says he is addicted to sleeping pills. He was also diagnosed with prostate cancer and has just recently begun seeking treatment.