By The Canadian Press

Sexual assault charges against Saskatchewan priest stayed

Apr 19, 2017 | 10:12 AM

MEADOW LAKE, Sask. – A judge has granted a stay of proceedings in a sexual assault case involving a Roman Catholic priest in Saskatchewan.

Father Javier De Los Angeles Cortazar was charged in 2014 after an alleged incident at a cabin near Goodsoil, Sask.

The name of the alleged victim is under a publication ban.

During the second day of Cortazar’s trial this week in Meadow Lake, the complainant refused to answer a defence question about what the accused had said to the man during confession.

Justice Gary Meschishnick ruled the complainant had to answer the question, but when no answer was given the Crown applied to have the proceedings stayed.

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A stay means the Crown has 12 months to reinstate the charge.

George Green, Cortazar’s lawyer, says his client is relieved to have the charge stayed, which means he will not have a criminal record.

The Diocese of Prince Albert has not commented on the case, but its website lists Cortazar as — quote — “on leave.”

Since 2014, Cortazar has presided over weekly services and sacraments for parishioners in Goodsoil, Loon Lake and Pierceland.