A jury is set to determine the guilt of a former principal of a private Christian school in Saskatoon accused of using a wooden paddle to assault students. Duff Friesen is facing five charges of assault with a weapon stemming from incidents that allegedly occurred between 1997 and 2007 at the Christian Centre Academy, which later changed its name to Legacy Christian Academy and then Valour Academy, closely affiliated with the Mile Two Church, now known as Encounter Church.
Closing arguments were presented by both sides in the trial, with the defense contending that the memories of five former students who testified against Friesen were unreliable and contradictory due to the events occurring over two decades ago. Defense lawyer Daniel Mol emphasized that the burden of proof lies with the Crown.
During the trial, former administrator Lou Brunelle testified as a defense witness, stating that the school’s discipline policy involved three paddle swats followed by a prayer. Another witness, Deidre Benneweis, confirmed the existence of discipline records from 2003-04 but claimed she never personally witnessed a paddling, although she acknowledged its occurrence.
On the other hand, Crown prosecutor Sheryl Fillo emphasized to the jury that acts of “paddling” and “spanking” should not diminish the seriousness of the charges, labeling them as assault with a weapon. Fillo stressed that the jury only needs to find evidence of a single incident where Friesen used the paddle within the specified time frame to convict him.
The trial also featured testimony from former students, including Coy Nolin, who recounted being paddled by Friesen multiple times, describing the experience as emotionally distressing. The Crown highlighted the courage of the complainants, now adults, for coming forward to shed light on the alleged assaults.
Justice Daryl Labach is expected to provide instructions to the jury before they commence deliberations.