Warning: This story contains details some readers may find disturbing
THUNDER BAY — After several delays, the man accused of sexually assaulting several youth in the 1970s and 80s in the city’s East End is standing trial.
The trial against 64-year-old Wayne Gilberds opened in a Thunder Bay courtroom on Thursday before Justice Chantal Brochu.
Gilberds pleaded not guilty to two counts of indecent assault on a female and two counts of indecent assault on a male.
The incidents are alleged to have occurred between 1976 and 1982 and involved several victims between the ages of six and 14.
Gilberds was first charged in March 2021 after the Thunder Bay Police Service launched an investigation into the alleged incidents.
A publication ban is in place protecting the identity of the complainants and witnesses.
Prior to the start of the trial, the case faced several roadblocks, including several lawyers being removed as counsel to Gilberds.
In late 2022, Gilberds pleaded guilty to charges, only to have the pleas struck after he misunderstood court proceedings.
A fitness assessment was ordered and Gilberds was deemed fit to stand trial. In an effort to ensure the case moves ahead to trial, Brochu ordered a motion appointing a lawyer to assist the court in legal submissions during the trial.
On Thursday, one of the complainants was called to testify by the Crown. The complainant, who was between the age of six and eight at the time, provided details of being asked by Gilberds to the East End Boys and Girls Club, then known as the Wayside.
The complainant described GIlberds as a counsellor or youth worker at the Wayside at the time.
While at the Wayside, the complainant said Gilberds began demonstrating what he called ‘exercises’ and proceeded to sexually assault the complainant.
The complainant testified that there were between 10 and 20 instances of assault by Gilberds while at the Wayside.
During cross-examination, the complainant was asked about being afraid and continuing to go back to the Wayside.
“We are scared of the boogeyman under our bed at that time,” the complainant said. “I wasn’t scared of the workers at Wayside. We trusted them. They were like our friends in a sense but older.”
“I didn’t know the difference between right and wrong for those activities that were going on,” the complainant added. “I don’t know if that is called stupidity or what it is. That’s just what came to my mind at the time.”
Testimony will continue on Friday. Gilberds remains in custody.
