NKEC teacher facing sex charges to be represented by Joel Pink
A teacher at Northeast Kings Education Centre (NKEC) in Canning accused of sex-related offences will be represented in court by a well-known Halifax lawyer.
David Harrison, 39, of Canaan, was not present in Kentville provincial court on Nov. 27 when designation of counsel was filed on his behalf. Harrison signed a document in Halifax on Nov. 21 designating defence lawyer Joel Pink as his counsel in all court proceedings arising out of the charges Harrison is currently facing.
The designation gives Pink the authority to appear at hearings on Harrison’s behalf without the accused being present. His matters have been adjourned to Jan. 15 for plea. Harrison had been scheduled to return to court on Dec. 18 for plea.
Harrison is charged with sexual assault; touching the body of a young person who he was in a position of trust or authority toward for a sexual purpose and child luring — specifically, using a telecommunication device to communicate with a person believed to be under the age of 18 for the purpose of facilitating an offence under Section 153.1 of the Criminal Code. This section of the code relates to sexual touching.
Charges against Harrison have not been proven in court. It’s alleged that he committed the offences in Kings County between Sept. 1, 2013, and Aug. 28, 2015.
Harrison, who according to an online staff listing teaches Grade 11 Math, Grade 11 and 12 PreCalculus and Grade 12 Calculus, was released from custody on a $3,000 non-cash recognizance with conditions following a Nov. 21 bail hearing. A notice sent to parents and guardians by NKEC principal Kevin Veinot on Nov. 21 states that Harrison has been placed on leave and all appropriate policies and procedures are being followed.
According to a Nov. 21 news release issued by the RCMP, this past July, the complainant, who was 16 years old when the alleged incidents began, contacted police.
The RCMP Technological Crime Unit assisted with an investigation and were able to recover evidence that supports the complainant’s allegations.
The RCMP executed a search warrant at Harrison’s home on Nov. 20 and arrested him. Harrison was remanded into custody pending his initial court appearance on Nov. 21.