New charges against Woodstock mayor to be considered during Oxford County council meeting
The latest allegations of sexual assault against the mayor of Woodstock, Ont. will be considered during an Oxford County council meeting to be held Wednesday night.
London Police Service announced Tuesday that Trevor Birtch has been charged with three counts of sexual assault. Police say the alleged victim was known to Birtch.
Sources confirmed to CTV News that Woodstock council was made aware of the new charges on April 17 and voted to put him on a paid leave of absence — and on Wednesday night, Oxford County will likely do the same.
Voting on a proposed resolution to approve a leave of absence with pay until his court proceedings are concluded, but not to exceed the end of his term.
These new charges come weeks after London police laid three other charges against Birtch in February for alleged incidents from last year.
Police say the new charges are in relation to an alleged different victim.
Birtch is scheduled to appear in court Monday May 2, 2022 on the initial charges, and again on July 4 for the new charges.
Professor Emeritus of Political Science at Western University Andrew Sancton tells CTV News there is always a plan in place when a mayor is on a leave and that business will carry on as usual. But these allegations will likely have an impact on the mayor’s reputation, especially during an election year.
"Wait and see what the judicial process brings, but mayor's have actually ruined their reputation on issues that are much less severe than this, so I would say even if the mayor is ultimately acquitted, people in Woodstock when they are assessing whether they want this to person be a mayor or not, I think they are likely to be able to find other people who could perform that function,” said Sancton.
Under Ontario’s Municipal Act, politicians facing criminal charges can stay in office even if convicted, only a jail sentence disqualifies a municipal politician from holding office.
Tonight’s Oxford County council meeting can be live streamed beginning at 7 p.m.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
NEW From yearning for a change to cost of living, why some Canadians have left or may leave the country
For some immigrants, their dreams of permanently settling in Canada have taken an unexpected twist.
Here are the ultraprocessed foods you most need to avoid, according to a 30-year study
Studies have shown that ultraprocessed foods can have a detrimental impact on health. But 30 years of research show they don’t all have the same impact.
NEW Capital gains tax change 'shortsighted' and 'sows division' business groups tell Freeland
Forging ahead with increasing Canada's capital gains inclusion rate 'sows division,' and is a 'shortsighted' way to improve the deficit, business groups are warning Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland.
Ontario man frustrated after $3,500 paving job leaves driveway in shambles
An Ontario man considering having his driveway paved received a quote from a company for $7,000, but then, another paver in the neighbourhood knocked on his door and offered half that rate.
Defence attacks Stormy Daniels' credibility as she returns to the stand in Trump's hush money trial
Stormy Daniels will return to the witness stand Thursday in Donald Trump's hush money trial as the defence tries to undermine the credibility of the porn actor's salacious testimony about their alleged sexual encounter and the money she was paid to keep quiet.
With contactless screening tech, this Toronto startup hopes to catch breast cancer early — and save lives
Amid evidence of rising breast cancer rates among young women in Canada, one Toronto startup is offering a contactless and radiation-free device that can help doctors identify suspicious changes in breast tissue. The company, Linda Lifetech, says this can lead to earlier detection of breast cancer.
Tornadoes tear through southeastern U.S. as storms leave 3 dead
Forecasters warned a wave of dangerous storms in the U.S. could wash over parts of the South early Thursday, a day after severe weather with damaging tornadoes and large hail killed at least three people in the region.
Police handcuff man trying to enter Drake's Toronto mansion
Toronto police say a man was taken into custody outside Drake's Bridle Path mansion Wednesday afternoon after he tried to gain access to the residence.
What is whooping cough and should Canadians be concerned as Europe declares outbreak?
There is currently a whooping cough epidemic in Europe, with 10 times as many cases compared to the previous two years. While an outbreak has not been declared nationwide in Canada, whooping cough is regularly detected in the country.