There’s been another delay in the case of a Roman Catholic priest charged with sexual assault.
But the Crown has promised it will be a brief one.
Now-51-year-old Thomas Offong was charged in December 2023 with one count of sexual assault against an adult woman — alleged to have occurred a month earlier in Avondale.
Offong pleaded not guilty and a one-day trial was scheduled for this past March, but it was postponed when the prosecutor took ill.
It was set over again in August but in provincial court today the Crown asked for one more “brief enlargement” to finalize its position, with the defence confirming they’re close to a resolution in the case.
Meanwhile, 21 months have now passed since Offong was charged, putting the case three months over the legal Jordan limit.
Offong has served in Avondale, Colliers, Conception Harbour and Burin, but also the Grand Falls-Windsor area, and remains relieved of his duties pending the outcome of the case.
He wasn’t in court for his matter today, with a designation filed that allows his lawyer to appear for him.
There is a publication ban on any information that could lead to the identity of the alleged victim.
The Bishop of Grand Falls has urged has urged the public not to rush to judgement in the case, which will be next called in provincial court on Sept. 24.
