Murphy Battista Represents Woman Suing Former B.C. City Councillor Convicted of Sexually Assaulting Her When She Was a Teenager

Murphy Battista is representing a woman in a civil lawsuit against former Pitt Meadows Councillor David Murray who was convicted of sexually assaulting our client when she was a teenager. Murray was convicted of the sexual assault in 2017. He was sentenced to nine months and released after serving four months in jail. Murray lost an appeal to overturn his conviction in February of 2020.

Janelle O’Connor is representing the woman, who is protected by a publication ban. As Janelle explains,

In this case, a criminal conviction has already been obtained. The purpose of criminal prosecutions is to punish the offender. In a criminal action, the complainant is not a party to the action and is not represented. They really have no control of the process. In contrast, the purpose of a civil proceeding is to provide compensation for the harm endured. In civil sexual abuse cases, damages are often awarded for pain and suffering, the cost of past or future care and loss of income as a result of the abuse. My client has carried the psychological and financial burden of this abuse for way too many years.

Read the full CBC news article: Woman sues former B.C. city councillor who was convicted of sexually assaulting her as a teen

Read coverage from Maple Ridge-Pitt Meadows and Abby News:  Former Pitt Meadows City Councillor Sued for Sex Assault