Catching Up On A Nearby Trial: Cliff Heggs Found Guilty Of Sex Assault

I have just read over the comments on this story(Trina i will respond to yours as well but need some time to chew it over)
I have knowledge through Ernie Culley a man who sat on the board of directors for Rapha House for several years that the problems with Mr.Heggs and Rapha House are nothing new. In fact the entire board of directors for Rapha House stepped down from their duties simultaneously because of the situations that were going on in the house, they could no longer have their names or reputations put on the line for this organization any longer. The house itself has been investigated by the city, social service agencies and other organizations.
This was not just one girl against Mr.Heggs but rather one girl who was willing to see it all the way through to the end, and she has gone through enormous personal toil to see this through.
Regardless of what anyone personally feels about him Mr.Heggs has been found guilty in a court of law for sexual assault and when reading his final summations the Judge called Mr.Heggs "untruthful" and made many references to Mr.Heggs testimony where he saw discrepancies and parts of his testimony that did not make sense. The Judge then went on to say that he found JM "credible, honest, not shaken during testimony" That JM's "crying seemed honest and not concocting" and her behavior was a "reasonable reaction" to what she had gone through. Mr.Hegg's sole support person in the courtroom proceeded to storm out of the courtroom during the Judge reading his verdict and was quite hostile and confrontational before court began when she was trying to assess who I was and why I though I had any right to be in the court.
I understand her hostility though, back in the day when I did my armed robbery it was front page news for that little town and I was horrified that everyone would know. Yet it was another season of my life that forced me to reassess my situation in life, had it been kept a secret like I so desperately wished I doubt I would have learned from it.

I understand Mr.Heggs is loved and has friends and family who have supported him through this .It would naturally be upsetting to them to hear this said about the person they know. Nothing anyone can say can take away those peoples experiences and fond memories of him, I think the thing this trial has brought out is perhaps he should never be in a position like he was in with that demographic of society again. Nor should anyone be allowed to run a "house" like he did with such flagrant disregard to rules and guidelines. Once someone's board of directors walks out and the only people you now have on the board is you, your wife and a worker of the house perhaps you should look at the reason's you are loosing your support in the community.
I have broken many rules and laws in my day and it does not change the love i received or gave to my friends or the way they perceived me and knew me.When my time came to seriously look at my actions it was those closest to me who in love, showed me the error of my ways. I was then able to change my perspective, outlook on life, and try to redeem myself. I only hope Mr.Heggs takes a look at himself instead of continuously pointing the finger outwards.

I would like to respond to Trisha Baptie on her latest comment on this subject. To start with, did you do a background check on your source, Ernie Culley? Did you know that he was removed from "Glad Tiddings" as head pasture, by the ellders for lying, and other things. In my opinion I do not feel that this man's word is credible. And in my opinion, Judge Dyer, has based his whole decision on one answer, Mr. Heggs made about his age. I'm sure everyone realizes that the older we all get, the tougher it actually is, when asked ones age, to actually remember it exactly, and I feel that when he answered the question, he said he was in his 60's and not that he was 60. It is my opinion, that the judge was looking for any answer, made by Mr. Heggs, that he could use to justify convicting him. I feel that he had his mind made up from the start about the guilt or innocense of Mr. Heggs. I would also like to comment on your statement about that JM is doing fine and that her young daughter is well taken care of. In my opinion, I feel that when I go to her apartment to buy crack and crystal meth from her and her common law husband Rob, and they have been using and awake for days, that this shows her taking care of herself or her daughter, but this is just my opinion about that.

I cannot believe that this case has gone this far. I know JM and this girl is a very manipulative person. This man has spent the last 35 years trying to make up for the mistakes he made in his past and due to one very nasty and vicious person he has lost it all. I know it is easier for people to believe her over him but i am telling you, and i would swear it on my own children it just isn't true and some way i am going to prove it.

Hi Trisha, I have read more than once both you and Pauline referring to the "legalization" of prostitution in Canada. Both of you are "against" it. While I fully respect your right to an opinion on the subject especially considering your former sex worker status, I don't believe that either of you have fully educated yourselves on the issue. For one thing, no one is asking for "legalization." We are asking for "decriminalization." It is a very different concept. Furthermore, not every sex worker in Canada is exploited or drug addicted or unhappy with their jobs. I do believe it is very important for women with experience in sex work to be covering stories and speaking to the media, as you and Pauline are. And I find your stories to be very engaging and eye-opening. However, I do still feel that you have a responsibity as spokespeople (directly or indirectly) for the sex worker population to educate yourself on sex industry issues - not just your own perception of them. I hope I am not coming across as attacking, because that is not my intent at all. It's just that there are many of us who are working our asses off trying to make sex work safer and more dignified - two things you seem to agree with - and having sex worker spokespeople like you, speaking out against initiatives, harms our cause. Decriminalization will create a better life for sex workers, as well as offer them an easier way to leave the industry if they so choose. In solidarity, Trina Ricketts

the simular alledged crimes beingbrought against mr heggs by JM. the law does not always get all sides of the story and unfortunatly in these cases only hears the one side. its unfortunate a person who changed his life can have his life put into a spin who in my opinion is not credible and is only looking for financial gain to feed ones habit for which she has brought child into and child has witnesssed drug abuse more times than one .
i have met both parties and this is just my opinion.thanks

Hi ya Trisha, I came across another ministry in the area you may want to look at. If you haven't already heard about Todd Bentley and Fresh Fire Ministries, you may want too.

This guy is from Abbotsford BC, has a criminal background including sexual assault of a seven year old boy. And yet, he's at the top of the charismatic movement of the moment. I had the opportunity to view one of his revival sessions on you tube where he claims the holy spirit told him to kick a woman in her face with his "biker Boot", so he did. This man is huge!

In another document i found, he describes how he was saved by a friend of his "drug dealer". This man showed up at his front door and began sermanising (?) him. The description of the guy is that of an old white haired bible thumping dude reminiscent of the Poltergeist movies. He claims he got god then and began his ministry.

There's been a lot of grumblings on the boards and streets about a year two years ago, describing a n old man very much like the one Todd mentions who was bothering a number of sex trade workers in Edmonton promising them a new life...

In fact, I've noticed a lot of the women who went missing from the DTES were involved in drug rehab and trying to kick their demons just prior to going missing.

I'm not suggesting either Cliff or Todd are involved with the missing women, but I do think it odd that BC is producing some fanatical redeemers who aren't adverse to using violence against women.

I'm wondering if there are any connections?

Hazel.