In the latest update on the Graham James trial this week, not only has be applied for bail to potentially be released from prison but now there is a publication ban.

            After James turned himself in, there was speculation that it was a legal strategy for just this reason- to get out of prison. Apparently he wouldn’t look so much like a flight risk by turning himself in.

            So James gets to parade around during his trial while upholding the rights of any old criminal after previously being convicted of sexually abusing Sheldon Kennedy and other victims over 350 times. 

            This is looking more like a show that’s being run by a man who stole the innocence of the kids who were supposed to be able to trust him and then fled to Mexico when the truth came crashing down on him. Then he requested a criminal pardon- and much to the shock of the country, received it. 

            Abusers crave control. By observation, it would seem like that’s what he’s getting from this trial.

            Publication bans are available to victims regardless of age if requested and are used commonly for sexual assault victims. They are also by default when a victim or suspect is under age.

            The judge must also grant a publication ban if the accused asks for one based on preliminary inquiries and evidence. (For more information on publication bans: http://www.cbc.ca/news/background/publicationbans/)

            The question is, after everything that Graham James has already done and admitted to, does he deserve a publication ban?

            It would be different if this were Theo Fleury, one of James’ victims, asking for the ban. But you lose your right to freedom after destroying childhoods. You shouldn’t even get another chance to consider asking for a publication ban.

            To me, it looks like James pleading for a pardon all over again because he’s lost control of the silence he bound his victims to for so long. It’s sickening to watch him scramble to try and keep it in his hands when he lost that the first time a victim spoke out.

            The victims are incredibly brave for coming forward all these years later. I would hope that the court doesn’t continue to let the likes of Graham James be a mockery to the justice system.

            Serving him a publication ban is already like satisfying an overly spoiled child. Letting him out of jail will simply fuel the fact that he thinks he can still get away with anything.