CALGARY- The province has admitted that the justice system failed an Airdrie woman, who says she was a sexual assault victim but never got her day in court.
Danielle Polsom came forward as an adult, claiming she was abused for years as a child. She filed a complaint with police in 2009, but it took nearly two years before a crown prosecutor even came to see her.
Charges were laid, but had to be stayed last November because the case took too long to go to trial, due to numerous delays. The accused has never been convicted.
The case sparked outrage after Polsom went public with her story last year, sparking a review. On Friday, the province outlined a 17 point plan, to try and free up court time for serious cases going to trail.
“We have enough control, the prosecution service has enough control over the system that I can commit to you today, no serious violent case will be lost due to delay,” announced Asst. Deputy Minister of Justice Greg Lepp.
Alberta’s justice minister added that having the federal government drop the need for preliminary hearings for all but the most serious crimes will help ease stress on the system. Additionally, they may add more case offices to handle smaller crimes.
“We are also looking at streamlining handling for tickets in traffic court, to free up court rooms so more serious crimes can be prosecuted as quickly as possible,” explained Jonathan Denis.
The province has since apologized to Polsom and praised her bravery, saying these changes have highlighted the need for change.
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