An Ontario man previously charged with historic sex crimes against young girls is now facing additional allegations of sexually assaulting adult women, according to recent court proceedings. John Wilkinson, 61, of Beeton, appeared in court in Bradford this week after being accused of sexually assaulting two women between 2017 and 2019, as reported by CTV News.
Expanding Allegations Beyond Historic Child Abuse
Earlier this month, Wilkinson attended a preliminary hearing where he was ruled fit to stand trial. He had already been charged with two counts each of sexual assault and sexual interference of minors, along with the alleged sexual assault of another person. The new charges stem from complaints by two women, one of whom testified that she was slapped between her legs during a funeral of a family friend in 2019.
Details of the New Complaints
The woman also testified that she was touched in the chest by the man but did not recognize him until she saw his face during a news report. A witness testified that she was told by the victim that a man touched her inappropriately at the funeral. The victim stated she did not know who the man was but was made aware that Wilkinson's wife was a police officer.
While the woman was "very upset" by what happened years ago, she did not report the incidents to police until 2024, according to CTV News. After hearing that the man was accused of historic sex crimes, the complainant testified that she wants him to be "held accountable" for harming children.
Historic Sexual Assaults and Investigation
The accused was initially arrested in August 2024 after a complaint was filed alleging that a five-year-old girl who lived in his neighbourhood in 2010 was touched inappropriately. A month after his arrest, Ontario Provincial Police laid additional sexual assault and sexual interference charges after another victim came forward.
In October 2024, further charges were laid against the accused after one victim alleged two separate assaults in 2015 and 2019, while another reported an assault that happened in 2017. At the time, investigators appealed for information in the case, noting that there is no statute of limitations for offences of a sexual nature.
Neighbourhood Concerns and Police Connection
Following his arrests, neighbours said the accused allegedly suggested to young girls in the area that they play the "tickle game" with him. It was revealed that his wife worked as an officer for Peel Regional Police for nearly 30 years, adding a complex layer to the case given her law enforcement background.
Ongoing Legal Proceedings
The trial for the new sex charges against Wilkinson resumes in March. As for the trial for the historic sexual assaults on young girls, Wilkinson is scheduled to appear in April at the Superior Court of Justice in Barrie. It is important to note that the allegations against Wilkinson have not been proven in court, and he remains entitled to the presumption of innocence until proven guilty.
The case highlights the serious nature of sexual assault allegations and the importance of thorough investigations, particularly when they involve multiple victims across different time periods. The involvement of a police officer's spouse further underscores the need for transparency and accountability in such proceedings.
