CANADA DOCTOR VIOLATES PUBLIC TRUST

Raymond Pannell, 70, was sentenced to prison for one year for sexually abusing five youths he treated in the 1970's and 1980's when he was a doctor.  The prison term completed the fall from community pillar to disgraced outcast.  He lost his medical license, his reputation, his position as lay reader in church and the good will built up by a lifetime of service.

Pannell faced four charges of sexual abuse.  He pleaded guilty to spare the victims the pain of having to testify at a trial.  Two others came forward with more charges and he pleaded guilty again.  Most of the charges involve fondling the genitals or other improper touching.  One of the victims was an 11-year-old boy who was abused by him for more than seven years.