Granting ban would have ‘significant negative effects,’ says judge A chief justice has sacked an application for a publication sanction on the recognition of a former Newfoundland police officer alleged to have sexually assaulted a coworker. (Paul Daly/CBC)
Newfoundland and Labrador Supreme Court Justice Peter O’Flaherty said Monday that granting retired Royal Newfoundland Law Sgt. Robert Baldwin a publication sanction would have “substantial negative effects.”
O’Flaherty administrated that preventing the media from publishing Baldwin’s name would dishearten people with info about the case or about similar accusations from coming forward.
Baldwin is named in a public suit filed in January against the local government, though he is not listed as an offender. The suit claims he sexually assaulted a fellow Royal Newfoundland Constabulary officer while on responsibility in 2014 after offering her a ride home and claims the local government is vicariously accountable for his alleged actions.
Baldwin contradicts the accusation, which has not been verified in court. He had applied with the Supreme Court in June to have his name defended from publication in connection with the case.
