Northside man denies abusing kids sexually

Donald Ashley MacPherson, 64, of Fredericton, will stand trial in February on six counts alleging sex crimes against two underage complainants between 2022-23

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.

A Fredericton man will stand trial early next year on six charges alleging sex-related crimes against two underage complainants.

Donald Ashley MacPherson, 64, of Canada Street, was back in Fredericton provincial court Friday to answer to six charges.

The Fredericton Police Force charged him this summer with sexually assaulting one minor between Oct. 1 and Jan. 1, and touching that child for a sexual purpose and touching them while in a position of trust or authority during that time period in Fredericton.

Donald Ashley MacPherson (Photo: The Fredericton Independent)

The force also alleges he sexually assaulted a second child between Jan. 1 and March 1 in Fredericton, as well as sexual touching and sexual exploitation while in a position of trust or authority over that minor.

There’s a court-ordered publication ban in place protecting the identities of the complainants.

MacPherson elected Friday to be tried in provincial court on the indictable charges and pleaded not guilty to all six counts.

Judge Mary Jane Richards asked how old the complainants are, inquiring so she could determine how soon the trial should be held.

Crown prosecutor Nina Johnsen said the children are about eight and 10 years of age now.

The judge scheduled MacPherson’s two-day trial for Feb. 16 and 20.

The defendant is free in the community subject to the conditions of a police undertaking. Among the conditions of that order are to have no contact with the complainants and to stay away from their homes and schools.

Don MacPherson can be contacted at ftonindependent@gmail.com.