Canada

Former Archbishop convicted of sexual assault appealing his case

Seraphim Storheim was convicted early this year of sexually assaulting an alter boy in Winnipeg in 1985

WINNIPEG – A former archbishop convicted of sexually assaulting an altar boy in the 1980s is appealing his case to Manitoba’s highest court today.

Seraphim Storheim was convicted early this year of sexually assaulting a boy who had come to visit him in Winnipeg in 1985.

His lawyer, Jeff Gindin, is asking new evidence be heard relating to the victim’s visit with Storheim and his relationship with one of the defence witnesses.

Gindin is also arguing Storheim’s denial of abuse was credible and should not have been dismissed by the judge.

He says the sentence imposed on Storheim was “harsh and excessive.”

The 68-year-old was sentenced to eight months in jail but has been free on bail pending his appeal hearing.

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