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April 08, 2005
Judge grants new trial to ex-priest on sex abuse charges
April 8, 2005 [Associated Press]
BALTIMORE - A defrocked Baltimore priest will get a new trial on child sexual abuse charges.
Maurice Blackwell was convicted less than two months ago of molesting a former parishioner who later shot the clergyman.
A judge has granted a new trial, agreeing with defense arguments that jurors should not have heard prosecution witnesses testify about other alleged victims of Blackwell.
Judge Stuart Berger said in his order that "the bell has been rung" by the references to other victims, and that it's difficult" to un-ring that bell.
Posted by Nancy at April 8, 2005 11:16 PM