Former Christian school principal gets six-month conditional sentence

https://thestarphoenix.com/news/crime/former-christian-school-principal-gets-six-month-conditional-sentence

Calling Duff Arthur Friesen’s moral culpability “high,” a Saskatoon judge ruled the former Christian school principal will serve a community sentence after being convicted of assault with a weapon.

Justice Natasha Crooks handed down the six month conditional sentence Thursday morning in Saskatoon King’s Bench Court.

During sentencing submissions, the Crown had asked for an eight month sentence followed by probation for the former principal. Friesen’s lawyer had asked for a conditional discharge that would have left the convicted man without a criminal record if he completed his sentence without any issues.

The offence occurred in 2003-2004 when Friesen was serving as principal at Christian Centre Academy. The school later changed its name to Legacy Christian Academy and is now known as Valour Academy.

The school is closely affiliated with Encounter Church, which was previously known as Mile Two Church and Saskatoon Christian Centre.

All evidence presented at the trial, along with victim impact statements, cannot be reported due to a court-ordered publication ban. The ban is in place to protect the integrity of Friesen’s second trial, which is scheduled for September 2026. Any information which might identify the victim can also not be made public.

In rejecting the defence’s request for a discharge, Crooks cited a number of factors, including the age of the victim at the time of the offence and the accused being in a position of authority.

Crooks added the victim was “entitled” to protection.

“I find Mr. Friesen’s moral culpability to be high,” she wrote in her decision.

In allowing Friesen to serve his sentence in the community, the court said he is considered a low risk to reoffend. A lack of a criminal record, in addition to the fact Friesen followed his release conditions, were additional factors the court considered.

“I am satisfied that serving this sentence in the community will not endanger the public,” Crooks wrote.

Crooks cited these same factors in declining to impose a probation order following the sentence. She wrote such an order would be “unnecessary” to support Friesen’s rehabilitation.

The former principal, who is now 68 years old, was convicted last May by a jury in Court of King’s Bench of assaulting a former student by hitting them with a wooden paddle. He was found not guilty on three additional counts.

During Thursday’s hearing, Friesen sat in the prisoner’s box looking intently at the justice. At times he appeared nervous, moving his legs and tapping his feet on the ground while the sentencing decision was being read.

A number of former students along with their supporters were present in the courtroom gallery for the hearing.

The conditional sentence requires Friesen to keep the peace and be of good behaviour. He must report to a supervisor and get written permission to leave Saskatchewan. Friesen must also take programming as directed.

The sentence prohibits him from being in a position of trust or authority over anyone who is under the age of 16. Friesen will not be required to observe a curfew.

John Olubobokun, the school’s former director, was convicted of nine counts of assault with a weapon and pleaded guilty to five additional counts. He was given conditional sentences of 18 months and five months for his crimes.