MONTREAL – Former mayor of Montreal North, Gilles Deguire, was arraigned in court Wednesday on charges of sexual assault and sexual touching of an alleged victim under the age of 16.
He did not appear, choosing instead to send his lawyer.
“I’m not surprised he’s not here,” said Eric Sutton, a defence attorney who is not involved in Deguire’s defence.
“He was not obliged to attend court unless he was ordered to attend court or unless he pleaded guilty, or you’re in court for a hearing.”
“In this case he’s entitled to have his counsel appear for him, which is what he’s done.”
Deguire worked as a Montreal police officer for over 30 years before making the jump to politics.
The sexual assault incidents reportedly happened between Dec. 2013 and Oct. 2015.
The former mayor stepped down on Jan. 7 after it became apparent he was the subject of a criminal investigation.
Montreal Mayor Denis Coderre spoke out at the time, insisting the case was not linked to his political functions.
The charges against Deguire became public when a warrant was released on Jan. 11.
His next court date is set for March 23.
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