Man accused of sexual assault speaks out online

36 year old Darrell Jason Turnock has been charged with sexual assault will appear in court tomorrow. Instead of waiting for court proceedings the accused, as well as many others, have spoken out online. Something a Hamilton lawyer says, is never a good idea.

“I want everyone to know, I am innocent. I never did any of these terrible things” says the accused.

36 year old Darrell Jason Turnock, from Dundas has been charged with sexually assaulting and robbing a woman who police say he met on the internet.

Although he has not had a trial yet, this case has been a hot topic on Facebook.

“Everything is a lie, that’s coming out of people’s mouths.”

Turnock told CHCH News he posted the videos because he’s innocent and wants to fight back.

Hamilton Lawyer Dean Pacquette says social media isn’t the place to defend yourself against criminal charges.

According to Pacquette, “I think its highly inappropriate. The place to do it, if they are a client of mine is in a criminal court.”

Dani Heroux has added to the discussion on Facebook. She’s an advocate against sexual assault. She posted Turnock’s charges on her Facebook page, to make others aware. She says doesn’t know the accused, or anyone associated with him, but soon after her post, messages started pouring in.

Heroux says many women have messaged her alleging Turnock sexually assaulted them, messages including “At the time I was like 18, so I remained fearful if I spoke up.”

And another woman wrote, “Its discouraging when you report him and all he gets is a slap on the wrist.”

Heroux has told the women to call police, but says now she has a responsibility on social media.

“I keep an eye out on things happening in Burlington in regards to sex trafficking and I feel like I’ve gained the trust of the women who have reached out to me.”

As for posting videos online, Lawyer Dean Paquette says sometimes what gets shared on social media becomes evidence in a trial.

“You have to be very careful but people aren’t careful. The things that are said seem to be whatever comes to someone’s mind”

As for victims, Pacquette says its best to go directly to police, and avoid slanderous comments online.