Judge delays sentence in sex assault

Pelham stable owner was convicted in October

Judge Tory Colvin delivered a powerful message to three young women, and the community, during the sentencing hearing of Pelham stable owner James Corbett, Friday afternoon.

In October of this year, Corbett was convicted of sexual assault and two counts of common assault against the three. Ten additional charges against him were dismissed at that time.

Colvin told a packed Welland courtroom that he wouldn’t be delivering a decision in the hearing after listening to submissions, lasting two and a half hours, from both Crown Attorney Pat Vadacchino, and Corbett’s defence attorney, George Walker.

“I want to speak to the victims and spare them coming back,” said Colvin. “I looked at the victim impact statements and one thing struck me. There’s a very real danger of letting this become a defining moment in your life.”

The judge said the women could end up ruining their lives if they let this define them.

“Don’t let this determine how you live your lives. I hope you can get counselling and put this in the bank of bad memories and let them get lost.”

Colvin also used a riding analogy in speaking to the victims.

“All three of you, I am sure, have fallen off a horse more times than you care to count. But each time you got back on and competed or back to riding. You have to do the same with this … please don’t become professional victims. This will damage you if you let it.”

After speaking to the victims, Colvin said he was very disappointed in the community and the reaction from both sides.

He said from the moment the women came forward, they were attacked and made out to be villains and liars by those who didn’t believe them.

When Corbett was found guilty, the judge said people started to act as vigilantes.

Walker made numerous references to protestors showing up at Corbett’s Cedar Ridge Stables, a four- hectare facility with two barns and indoor and outdoor training areas, in Pelham.

The defence attorney presented numerous letters from Corbett supporters speaking of harassment they received when showing up at the stables.

Vadacchino made numerous objections to the letters, but Colvin allowed them, citing the victim impact statements containing information along the same lines.

Colvin said it’s up to, and the function of, the courts to deliver justice, adding people do have the right to their views and opinions though.

“If we become vigilantes, we create a world of anarchy. It puts the country on a dangerous road of anarchy or dictatorship,” he said.

The judge also apologized to all those in attendance for not delivering a decision.

“I’m not going to try and do justice at 4: 30 in the afternoon, when it will take more time ... I won’t keep you here until 11 p. m.”

During the hearing, Vadacchino asked that Corbett serve six to eight months in jail and be put on three years probation. Walker asked for a suspended sentence on all three counts and 12 months probation.

Corbett will be back in Welland court on Feb. 7 at 2 p. m. when Colvin will deliver his sentence.