All charges remain on day 2 of trial of Manitoba priest accused of sexually assaulting girl

WARNING: This article may affect people who have experienced sexual violence or know someone who has been affected by it.

A Manitoba priest accused of sexually abusing a now nine-year-old girl on the Little Grand Rapids First Nation last year had all charges against him stayed a day after the girl at the center of the case testified against him.

As Arul Savari sat quietly behind his lawyers in a Winnipeg courtroom Wednesday afternoon, Crown attorney Danielle Simard told King’s Bench Justice Shawn Greenberg prosecutors made the decision after carefully reviewing the evidence. In the case that took place after the girl’s statement.

“As the court knows, this process is very difficult for any witness, but even more so for a child. Prosecutors always make best efforts to ensure that the witness is well prepared to testify, and this case is no different,” Simard said.

“Furthermore, it does not matter whether Crown prosecutors believe a criminal offense has occurred or the impact of such allegations on an isolated community. While it weighs heavily, it is not the deciding factor.”

Simard cited the Crown’s “ongoing and overarching legal and ethical responsibility” to ensure that the cases they prosecute have a reasonable chance of resulting in conviction as the reasoning behind the decision.

“It’s not enough that something probably happened, but rather, ‘Can the evidence reasonably meet the test beyond a reasonable doubt?’” Simard said.

“In keeping with our solemn obligation to ensure the responsible and thoughtful administration of justice, we must order a stay of proceedings on all charges before this honorable court concerning Mr. Arul Savari.”

The girl, who cannot be identified due to a publication ban and was holding a stuffed animal as she spoke in court Monday, said she remembers being afraid the day the priest allegedly took her to his bedroom inside the church at the remote First Nation. Approximately 265 kilometers northeast of Winnipeg.

Among the allegations against Savari, whom he called “Baba Arul”, were that he took off Arul’s clothes, told him that he loved him, touched and kissed her legs and abdomen.

Savari pleaded not guilty to sexual assault, sexual interference and forcible detention.

Savari’s lawyers raised questions about some of the girl’s allegations and said the girl did not share all the details that emerged when she told her mother about her experience.

Defense lawyer Tom Rees on Monday also pointed out inconsistencies in the information given by the girl in her statement, including whether Savari’s underwear had been removed.

Support through crisis lines and local support services are available for anyone who has been sexually assaulted. Canadian Association to End Violence database. If you are in immediate danger or fear for the safety of yourself or those around you, please call 911.