Wakeham calls for public inquiry into 'horrible' sexual abuse case, citing RNC insiders

Opposition Leader Tony Wakeham is pushing the Furey administration to "do the right thing and call a public inquiry" into what he calls a "horrible" case of alleged sexual abuse in St. John's.

During question period at the House of Assembly on Thursday, Wakeham stressed that an ongoing review by the child and youth advocate doesn't go far enough.

"We have already been told by the premier's office that the child and youth review will not include a police review. That's already been said to us," the PC leader told the legislature.

"I have heard from current RNC officers and former RNC officers who have told me that this investigation needs to happen."

Justice Minister Bernard Davis said "a public inquiry is an option that could be considered in the future," but it's premature to do so at this point.

"This is still an ongoing investigation," Davis said. "We cannot jeopardize an investigation or a criminal process that is being led by the prosecution as they move forward." 

Tony Humby and Bruce Escott stand accused of abusing 13 youths in total, over a period spanning decades.

Humby has pleaded not guilty, and is set for trial in March. Escott is scheduled to be in court on Friday, after reaching a plea deal.

The case is centred on Hussey Drive in the east end of St. John's, where the two men were neighbours for years.

CBC Investigates successfully fought to unseal search warrant documents related to the case.

• CBC INVESTIGATES | A darkness on the edge of town

Those untested court filings provide an account of what police and child protection officials did — and didn't do — over the years, as allegations mounted about vulnerable kids being abused.

Earlier Wednesday, CBC Investigates reported on growing calls for a public inquiry to investigate failings in the system meant to protect vulnerable youth.

The lawyer representing six people who allege they were sexually abused by Humby says he wants the Royal Newfoundland Constabulary put under the microscope.

• Lawyers call for public inquiry into years of alleged abuse in St. John's trailer park

Stephen Barnes is looking for answers on why previous investigations involving Humby did not result in criminal charges.

WATCH | Lawyer Stephen Barnes does not have faith his clients will get answers without an inquiry: 

‘Who knew what, and when’: Lawyer wants public inquiry into alleged abuse in St. John’s trailer park

10 days ago

Duration 2:58

Stephen Barnes, the lawyer representing six alleged victims of Tony Humby, says he no longer has faith that his clients will get the answers they want without a full-scale inquiry. Humby was arrested in April 2023. Humby is now charged with abusing 11 teens. The CBC’s Ryan Cooke has the story.

Search warrant filings show that Humby had been known to police since at least 2007, when a 16-year-old accused Humby of drugging and raping him.

According to those untested police court filings, Humby appeared in at least nine RNC investigations between 2007 and 2021. He wasn't charged until 2023.

Wakeham says system failed vulnerable children

After question period Wednesday afternoon, the Opposition leader expanded on why he believes a public inquiry is necessary — one that includes a review of the police.

"I've heard details from these officers who were actively involved in some of the investigations who have told me that they prepared reports and that these reports need to be read," Wakeham told reporters.

He said the focus needs to be on ensuring a situation like this never happens again.

"This is not about anything other than vulnerable children that need to be protected, and the system failed them," Wakeham said. 

"And we have to find out why it failed, how it failed."

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