PEMBROKE – Lanark County’s Bill Kirby, a well-known fastball and hockey volunteer, spent much of yesterday (Jan. 21) in court as his legal team begins its defence of the man facing more than 20 charges including kidnapping, sexual assault and attempted murder.

William ‘Bill’ Kirby was arrested back in September of 2018 after a woman was found in critical condition in a wooded area of McNab/Braeside near Gunsmith Road. Kirby, a well-known Ottawa Valley hockey referee and softball umpire, was 72-years-old at the time he was arrested.

Following a police investigation, Kirby was charged with 23 additional counts of assault and sexual assault relating to four victims dating back roughly 50-years. Charges from a fourth complainant were withdrawn. Kirby is now facing a total of 10 criminal charges including attempt to commit murder with a firearm, aggravated assault, threaten death or bodily harm, two counts of assault, one count of sexual assault, weapon at a public meeting, common assault and indecent assault. 

The case was moved to superior court.

The defense in the Kirby case submitted a request to split the charges to have three separate trials. On yesterday afternoon Justice James ruled to separate the historic sexual assault charges and more recent attempted murder charges the accused is facing.

Pre-trial dates have been scheduled for March 10 and 11, with another court date on Friday Jan. 24 at noon to set trial dates. 

• Courtesy Oldies 107.7 FM