ST. JOHN'S — A significant development in the legal proceedings against Anthony Humby, who faces over 70 charges related to sexual violence against youth, was shared by a retired sergeant of the Royal Newfoundland Constabulary, Corinne James, in a St. John’s courtroom. Reassessing her past decisions, James has publicly stated that she no longer supports her earlier choice not to charge Humby following a 2007 complaint.
During the trial, James recounted her involvement with the child abuse and sexual assault unit of the police force at the time of the initial investigation. In 2007, when she was tasked with following up on allegations against Humby, the approaches and resources available for investigating sexual assault cases were markedly different compared to today.
Reflecting on her past decision, James remarked, “The information, the education, resources, that’s all different today.” She acknowledged that her review of Humby’s case leads her to a different perspective now than what she held at the time. This change highlights the evolution in the policing protocols and understandings of sexual assault cases over the years.
Humby’s arrest came in April 2023 when he was 62 years old, leading to charges involving 12 alleged victims. The details that surfaced during James’s testimony shed light on the circumstances surrounding the 2007 investigation. At that time, Humby had claimed to James that he had engaged in sexual activity with a male who possessed identification indicating he was 20 years old. Based on this information, James determined that there were insufficient grounds to charge him, advising him instead to be more cautious about the individuals he engaged with sexually.
However, shortly after her interaction with Humby, another officer reported encountering him driving on a remote road in the early hours of the morning with three teenage boys as passengers, one of whom was just 13 years old. This incident raised further concerns and underscored the troubling nature of James’s previous decision not to pursue charges.
The courtroom proceedings continue to unfold, revealing the complexities and the implications of the historical methods of handling sexual violence cases. The testimony from Sgt. Corinne James not only aims to provide insight into the past but also reflects the ongoing efforts to improve the treatment of such serious allegations in the present day.
This case remains significant, as it not only addresses the charges against Humby but also emphasizes the importance of evolving law enforcement practices regarding youth protection and sexual violence. The contrast between past and current approaches to these cases becomes a central theme as the trial progresses, with many anticipating how this might impact the judicial outcomes for Humby and the ongoing discussion surrounding sexual assault investigations.
