| Media Alerts Nets Further Pedophile Charges |
The West Vancouver Police Department is acknowledging the role of the media in encouraging a further victim of Gordon Alvin HAZELWOOD to come forward. The victim’s new information resulted in further charges being approved against the convicted pederast.
In early 2008, as part of the investigation into allegation’s that HAZELWOOD had sexually assaulted a number of pre-teens, thirty years ago, the West Vancouver Police Department alerted the media that a search was on for those victims to come forward. As a result of the information that came in, Crown Counsel approved a number of sex offence charges. Last month at the North Vancouver Provincial Court HAZELWOOD pled guilty to six of the charges. He was sentenced to twelve months in prison. However, a further victim of HAZELWOOD has now come forward. Two additional charges of Gross Indecency and Indecent Assault on a person under 14 years of age have been approved. This too is an historical sexual assault investigation. The West Vancouver Police Department recognises the difficulties faced by the victims and survivors of sexual abuse. To that end, the department has officers who are trained in this field who will empathetically assist anyone who comes forward to report their ordeal.
In addition to these officers, every police department has trained Victim Service personnel who will find the appropriate resources to guide people as they recover from the effects of crime and trauma.
The West Vancouver Police Department is asking that any person who may have been the victim of a crime in West Vancouver, no matter how long ago, to call 604 925 7300 where an officer will assist them with their concerns. Attached are some current numbers where victims of sexual abuse can find support.
In all cases such as this, the West Vancouver Police Department ask that the anonymity of the victim be respected and protected, even in cases where a publication ban has not been imposed by the court. |