The trial of a Regina music instructor charged with sex crimes against a nine-year-old girl was put on hold as the Crown sought to expand the dates associated with the charges.
Claro Belen, 73, stands charged with four separate offences. It is alleged that the private teacher sexually assaulted the girl, touched her with a part of his body for a sexual purpose, exposed his genitals to her, and invited her to touch him for a sexual purpose. He pleaded not guilty to all charges when his trial began Monday.
Initially, these offences were all alleged to have been committed in Regina on or about Feb. 3, 2024. However, Crown prosecutor Jillian Borrowman applied to amend the dates associated with the charges after hearing witnesses testify.
The girl, now 11 years old, testified that her music instructor laid on top of her and later tried to kiss her and made her touch his penis. She did not specify a date in her testimony. The girl’s father testified she began lessons with Belen in late summer 2023.
Borrowman asked Court of King’s Bench Justice Holli Kuski Bassett to change the charges to allege the offences were committed between Aug. 1, 2023 and Feb. 3, 2024. Defence lawyer Nicholas Robinson argued this change would prejudice his client. But after hearing submissions from both lawyers and contemplating the law, the judge allowed the amendment Tuesday.
This prompted Robinson to suggest he may ask for the girl to be recalled, as he said she may need to be questioned about dates other than the one originally alleged. The defence lawyer also suggested that he may revisit an agreement made with the Crown regarding his client’s statement to police, as that agreement was made with an understanding of the charges as initially worded.
Kuski Bassett granted an adjournment for Robinson to prepare to address the court Wednesday afternoon.
