The former principal of a Saskatoon Christian school received a six-month suspended sentence to be served in the community Thursday, marking the final hearing of the year in a string of trials against former employees for incidents at the school that occurred more than 20 years ago.
Duff Friesen, 68, was found guilty in May of one count of assault stemming from his presence at what was then called Christian Center Academy in the 2003-2004 academic year.
The school was later renamed Heritage Christian Academy and is now known as Valor Academy.
Friesen was acquitted of three additional counts of assault with a weapon.
A court-ordered publication ban limits the sharing of evidence and statements about the trial's impact on victims as Friesen faces a new trial next year.
Crown prosecutor Cheryl Fillo had sought an eight-month prison sentence followed by two years probation.
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Meanwhile, Friesen's lawyer, Daniel Maul, sought release, either completely or with conditions.
Conditions of Friesen's sentence include reporting to a superior, remaining in the province until permission to leave is obtained, attending counseling as directed by his superior and not working or being in any position of authority with anyone under the age of 16.
Justifying her sentence, Judge Natasha Crooks said it was “unlikely that he would reoffend” and did not believe Friesen serving his sentence in the community would endanger the community.
Friesen has no curfew and does not have any restrictions on alcohol or drug use – something Crown prosecutor Fillo questioned in court.
The former Christian Center Academy student says the verdict brings up a lot of emotions and is part of their journey to healing.
“When someone is in a position of trust, like a teacher or a principal, these are very serious offenses. A school should be a safe place, so we are very pleased with the custodial sentence,” Caitlin Erickson said outside Saskatoon Crown Court after Thursday's sentencing hearing.
“We were children, we had no power. But as adults, we have the right to do this. And this is what we will continue to do until everything is fixed.”
Erickson said she and other former students will expect trials next year for other men associated with the school.
Second of two trials of the former director of the Christian Center Academy John Olubobokun ended earlier this month, with him receiving an additional five months on top of his previous 18-month sentence for school attacks that took place between 2003 and 2007.
A second trial on additional assault charges against Friesen was originally scheduled for September but has since been postponed.
Friesen is expected to face a jury trial in September 2026.
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