Lack of lawyer delays trial for former Sask. care home worker accused of sexually abusing patients

Scathing cries rang out amid Brent Gabona's swift exit from his court hearing Wednesday morning in Rosthern, Sask. 

"​You're going to hell," called supporters of Gabona's alleged victims. "There's no God for the damned, Brent.… why are you wearing a cross? Son of a bitch."

Gabona is accused of violating care home residents at Shepherd's Villa in Hepburn, Sask., where he worked. He was charged on May 10 of this year with eight sex abuse-related charges — five counts of sexual assault and three counts of sexual exploitation of a person with a disability — between 1992 and 2006.

The alleged victims couldn't speak or care for themselves and required help to eat, bathe or dress. 

Rick Boguski and his brother Darryl sat huddled together in the jam-packed Lion's community hall where the provincial circuit court was being held. They listened to Gabona, clad in a red shirt and denim pants, explain that he still had not secured a lawyer. He was given two weeks to get one.

Speaking outside the hall, Rick said he's appalled by the delay. His brother Darryl is one of the victims named in the case. Darryl has cerebral palsy and autism, is blind and doesn't speak. Rick said it was emotional for Darryl to hear Gabona speak. 

"Darryl reacted actually in the courtroom," Rick said, becoming emotional. "I've been assuring Darryl all the way along that he doesn't have to worry about Brent Gabona anymore, that he's safe with me."

The pair travelled from Alberta for the matter. Rick said it's been difficult travelling to deal with a justice system that doesn't appear to have justice for all, but that they feel obliged to come.

"I'm hoping that the people of Saskatchewan will hear this, and will support us, and say enough is enough. That we need to start taking this case a little more seriously."

Gabona was charged after a three-week police investigation. He told CBC that the charges were laid after he came forward to police.

Rick believes there are more victims than the five named in this case. So do other families who had members under Gabona's care, but their calls for a wider investigation have gone unanswered.

Al and Naomi Hawkins, who live in Red Deer, Alta., were among supporters in Rosthern, which is about 60 kilometres northeast of Saskatoon. Gabona was their late son Derek's primary caregiver for more than two years. 

Their son began to display severe behavioural problems after coming under Gabona's care. They have no doubt this was linked to abuse and say they have documentation that can show it.

"Our son was labelled because of his outbursts, and for the balance of his life after Shepherds Villa the finger was pointed at his chest," Al Hawkins said. "The finger is pointed back at everyone else now. "