April 20, 2011 Ottawa Metro
House arrest for ex-priest
by Jessica Smith
Metro Ottawa
An 81-year-old ex-priest was convicted and sentenced to house arrest yesterday for indecently assaulting two young men in 1979.
“In this particular case … Were it not for his advanced age and failing health the Crown would have been seeking a substantial term of real jail,” said deputy Crown attorney Meaghan Cunningham.
Two brothers accused William Allen of gratifying himself sexually in the context of a wrestling match. Clothes were worn at the time, said his lawyer Bob Carew.
Allen pleaded not guilty, but did not admit to or dispute the allegations in court, said Carew.
Allen was given a nine-month conditional sentence followed by 12 months of probation. He will be allowed to continue to attend church, said Carew.
Ottawa Archbishop Terrance Prendergast said yesterday he has prohibited Allen from representing himself as a Catholic priest.
“Our diocese is committed to creating a safe environment in the church for minors and other vulnerable persons,” Prendergast said in a statement. ‘