Case of N.S. man accused of historical sexual abuse delayed again after judge denies guilty plea

The children of a Pictou County man accused of sexually abusing them when they were minors expressed their disappointment after a judge declined to accept his guilty plea in Nova Scotia Supreme Court on Thursday. Douglas Guthro, 86, faced 16 counts of sexual violence after his son and two daughters came forward with complaints in November 2023. The siblings, now in their 50s, allege that their father sexually assaulted them repeatedly between 1971 and 1990.

During the court proceedings, Guthro’s defense lawyer, Pavel Boubnov, informed Justice Frank Hoskins that Guthro was willing to plead guilty to eight of the 17 charges against him. However, Hoskins raised concerns about whether Guthro fully comprehended the gravity of the consequences associated with a guilty plea. The judge emphasized the importance of ensuring that Guthro’s plea was voluntary, unequivocal, and informed before accepting it.

Guthro, accompanied by a home care worker, appeared confused and had difficulty hearing during the court session. Despite Hoskins’ efforts to clarify the proceedings, he ultimately decided not to accept the guilty plea, instructing the defense to ensure that Guthro fully understood the implications of his decision before the next court date in Pictou.

Doug Robertson, one of Guthro’s children and an alleged victim, expressed frustration at his father’s actions, suggesting that Guthro may be intentionally prolonging the legal process. Robertson, who recently changed his last name to distance himself from his father, described Guthro’s behavior as an attempt to evade accountability.

Guthro’s daughters, Susan Farrell and Sheri Colbert, voiced their disappointment with the ongoing delays, emphasizing their desire for closure. They condemned their father’s actions, accusing him of manipulating the legal system to avoid facing the consequences of his actions.

Despite the setbacks, the Crown and defense are expected to present an agreed statement of facts on January 24, paving the way for a potential guilty plea from Guthro. Senior Crown counsel Bill Gorman anticipates that the judge will accept the plea, with a tentative sentencing date set for April 11 to expedite the resolution of the case.

For Robertson and his siblings, the prospect of their father’s sentencing brings a sense of urgency. Robertson expressed a desire for Guthro to face the consequences of his actions and serve time in prison. As they await further developments in the case, the siblings continue to seek closure and justice for the trauma they endured.

If you or someone you know is in distress, you can contact the Nova Scotia Provincial Crisis Line at 1-888-429-8167 for support. Additional crisis services are available through 211 and Kids Help Phone for individuals in need of assistance.