Cape Breton couple denies sexually assaulting girl, says claims were ‘put into her head by others’
A Cape Breton couple, Daryl and Shelley Digout, are currently facing serious allegations of sex crimes involving a preteen girl. The couple vehemently denies these accusations, claiming that they are actually the victims of individuals who do not share their religious beliefs. The charges brought against them include sexual assault, sexual interference, and other crimes related to their interactions with a girl they used to look after on weekends when she was between the ages of nine and 12.
During a court appearance in Port Hawkesbury, N.S., Shelley Digout expressed that the charges stemmed from a “religious conflict” and a “different path” that they were on, suggesting that the complainant was being used as a pawn in this situation. It was revealed in court that the Digouts have a history of providing spiritual training and Bible studies, including sleepovers, to children over several decades.
Due to a publication ban protecting the identity of the complainant, specific details of the case cannot be disclosed. However, witnesses have testified that the girl frequently stayed at the Digout residence over entire weekends, sometimes even sleeping in their bed when she was the sole child staying over.
The girl herself testified that Daryl Digout had placed his hands on her chest and prayed for larger breasts to assist her in bearing children. Additionally, she mentioned showering with Shelley Digout and being taught how to shave her “private parts” in anticipation of sexual activities. Shockingly, she also alleged that the Digouts had asked her permission to engage in sexual activities while she was in bed with them, eventually convincing her to join them.
The Crown attorney, Constance MacIsaac, summarized the case by pointing out three separate incidents of “grooming type behavior” exhibited by the Digouts, leading to charges of sexual assault, sexual interference, and invitation to sexual touching. Testimonies revealed that the couple’s spiritual teachings often involved discussions on womanhood, menstruation, sex, and marriage.
In their defense, the Digouts denied the sexual allegations, attributing them to individuals with conflicting religious beliefs and even accusing the girl’s mother of practicing witchcraft. Despite not testifying or presenting witnesses, they maintained that the girl’s testimony was riddled with inconsistencies and lacked credibility.
Furthermore, the Digouts are also facing a charge of failing to appear for fingerprinting at the RCMP detachment in St. Peters following their initial arrest in 2023. Daryl Digout argued that the Crown had not sufficiently proven their case beyond a reasonable doubt and suggested that time spent in court should serve as adequate penance for missing the fingerprinting appointment.
As the case awaits a ruling on February 21st, the Crown attorney emphasized that inconsistencies in the complainant’s testimony do not diminish the possibility of proving the allegations beyond a reasonable doubt. MacIsaac highlighted that despite uncertainties in certain details, the girl’s testimony resonated with truth, indicating the severity of the accusations against the Digouts.
