SETTLEMENT REACHED IN MARTENSVILLE LAWSUIT

A settlement has been reached in a lawsuit filed against the Government of Saskatchewan and others by Ron and Linda Sterling and a person who was a youth at the time of the Martensville charges.

Under the terms of the agreement, the Government of Saskatchewan will pay the plaintiffs a total of $925,000.

"This suit arose out of an investigation and prosecution of allegations of sexual abuse of children," Justice Minister Frank Quennell said. "Sexual abuse is one of the most sensitive and difficult issues dealt with by our criminal justice system. The difficulties are further complicated when the victims are children."

Quennell said that in recent years it has been recognized that child victims and witnesses cannot be treated in the same way as adult victims and witnesses. "The justice system's knowledge and ability to deal effectively with child witnesses continues to develop," Quennell said.

"Over the past decade, four prosecutions have given rise to malicious prosecution lawsuits. Saskatchewan Prosecutors annually deal with more than 82,000 charges brought to them by the police," Quennell said.

In addition to the settlements announced today, settlements have been reached with the Klassens and Kvellos and with John Popowich. Three lawsuits related to the Martensville prosecution remain outstanding.

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For More Information, Contact:

Debi McEwen Justice Regina Phone: (306) 787-6043