KAWARTHA LAKES-A Cameron resident charged with threatening and harassing City of Kawartha Lakes councillors got underway in a Lindsay courtroom today.
Bill Denby is facing three charges of uttering death threats, criminal harassment and intimidating a justice participant stemming from incidents in 2023 and 2024.
Justice Lisa Wannamaker will be presiding over the trial and Crown Attorney Natasha Jerome will be presenting the case against Bill Denby. The case will be heard by 12 jurors who were chosen today.
Denby pleaded not guilty to all charges and is representing himself.
In her opening statement the Crown Attorney said Denby is accused of sending a threatening email to all nine councillors, some city staff and others in April 2024. She says the evidence will show the email spoke of killing, poisoning and burying the officials and their families. The email also allegedly referred to death by hanging, hunting people down, knowing where they lived and said it was a “final warning”.
Deputy Mayor Tracy Richardson, Councillor Mike Perry, Councillor Dan Joyce, Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) Ron Taylor, Retired Sgt Tom Hickey will be called as witnesses. Jerome said the actions of the accused caused fear in members of council causing sleepless nights, changes in routine and forcing some of them to install surveillance and security systems.
CAO Ron Taylor will testify tomorrow. The defence will present its case following the Crown.
The trial is expected to last two weeks.
