The Supreme Court of Canada has refused to intervene in the case of a Chatham woman and her fight against the Diocese of London.
Irene Deschenes, one of many sexual assault victims of the late Father Charles Sylvestre.
The assaults dated back to the early 70’s at St. Ursula school in Chatham.
She accepted a settlement from the Diocese in 2000, but later learned the church had known for years about Sylvestre’s actions.
Deschenes said she never would have settled had she known the Diocese was aware of previous accusations.
She says she has gotten to know many of the other victims very well.
“ I think during the criminal trial we all created a bond, we may have lost touch with each other over the years but every once in a while we check in with each other, and they certainly did check in with me today. Lots of support.
As for what she wants now, Deschenes says “ my hope is they will finally say ok, this is as far as we can go, and litigating this poor woman so it’s time for mediation”.
The London Diocese appealed, but was denied in May before trying to plead its case with the Supreme Court.