Molestation suspect retains defence counsel
Donald Ashley MacPherson, 64, of Fredericton, accused of sexual assaulting, touching two minors within past year while in position of trust over those children
Editor’s note: The defendant in this court report and the journalist covering the case share the same first and last names, but they aren’t related or connected in any way.
Two months after he was charged with counts alleging sex crimes involving minors, a Fredericton man has secured defence counsel.
Donald Ashley MacPherson, 64, of Canada Street, was charged in Fredericton provincial court in June with six counts alleging sexual offences against two underage complainants.
One set of three charges - sexual assault, sexual touching and sexual touching while in a position of trust or authority - purport crimes committed against one minor between Oct. 1 and Jan. 1 in Fredericton.
Another set of charges - again, sexual assault, sexual touching and sexual touching while in a position of trust or authority - allege events involving a second underage complainant between Jan. 1 and March 1, in Fredericton as well.
A court-ordered publication ban is in place protecting the identities of the two complainants.
The case was adjourned on previous occasions because MacPherson was endeavouring to secure defence counsel, and on Tuesday, Hampton defence lawyer Joshua Adams appeared with him.
Adams asked for the election of mode of trial and pleas to be postponed again.
“I was recently retained on behalf of Mr. MacPherson,” he said.
Adams said he’d just received the disclosure package from his client, and he expects the Crown prosecutors’ office might have additional documentation for him.
Judge Anne Dugas-Horsman set the case over to Sept. 15, but she noted MacPherson will be expected to elect mode of trial and enter pleas at that time.
The judge reminded Adams his client is subject to the conditions of an undertaking, which include requirements that MacPherson have no contact with the complainants and that he must stay away from their homes and schools.
Don MacPherson can be contacted at ftonindependent@gmail.com.