It’s exciting to hear Crown counsel has appealed our Pooni Sisters court case.
Wow! What a journey it has been. Sometimes I can’t believe my sisters and I have been on this criminal justice system journey for 13+ years. The courage, perseverance and the amount of sheer guts it takes is immeasurable. Here’s a picture of us taken a few minutes after the April, 6, 2018 verdict where the accused was found guilty for 4 of 6 counts of sexual assault. Unbelievably so, the two counts pertaining to my sister Kira Pooni were found not guilty. We were relieved our Pooni sisters court case had finally reached a verdict.
It all feels like a dream as I look back down on memory lane and all that has transpired through the criminal justice system process. To put it into perspective here’s a timeline:
2007 – RCMP took our statements
2011 – Accused was charged
2013 – Preliminary hearing Provincial Court of British Columbia
2015 – 2018 Supreme Court of British Columbia trial proceedings
2018 – Verdict – guilty 4 of 6 counts – accused files stay of proceedings application claiming his right to a timely trial was breached
2019 – Stay of proceedings granted – case is stayed all charges are dropped
2020 – Crown appeals stay of proceedings – appeal to be heard in Appeal Court of British Columbia November 5, 2020
The hearing is open to the public and I am curious to see how it goes. I know I will be going through an array of emotions as Crown and defense make their arguments. If you would like more information on the appeal watch the video below.
It will be a long wait ahead before the Appeal Court of British Columbia announces it’s decision on this hearing (Spring 2021) and there are so many scenarios that can play out. It’s an honor to share the unfolding of this journey with you.
Thank you for your wonderful messages of love and support.
With love and respect,
Jeeti
