Former Saskatoon Principal Could Face Prison Over Old Assault Charges

Post by : Mina Rahman

Former principal Duff Friesen of Christian Centre Academy in Saskatoon may soon be sentenced to prison for an assault that occurred nearly two decades ago, as discussed during his hearing.

During the proceedings, a Crown attorney urged the court to enforce an eight-month jail term, coupled with a two-year probationary period. In contrast, defense counsel Daniel Mol advocated for a conditional discharge, allowing Friesen to avoid a criminal record if he adheres to specific conditions post-release.

In May, a jury from the Saskatoon Court of King’s Bench found Friesen guilty on one assault charge while acquitting him of three others. Justice Natasha Crooks has postponed her ruling on sentencing until December 18.

Due to a court-imposed publication ban, details about trial evidence and victim impact statements cannot be disclosed, as Friesen is slated for another jury trial in September 2026. He is also facing seven additional assault charges related to his tenure at Christian Centre Academy, which was later rebranded as Legacy Christian Academy and Valour Academy. The institution has longstanding connections to Mile Two Church, now known as Encounter Church.

Friesen is one among three ex-school officials charged or convicted in connection to student assaults dating back to the early 2000s. Allegations from former students include punitive measures involving a wooden paddle.

John Olubobokun, a former director, was convicted of student assaults and sentenced to an 18-month conditional term on November 20, with his second trial on additional assault charges starting December 2.

Former vice-principal Ken Schultz is facing assault with a weapon charges for allegedly using a wooden paddle on students, alongside a sexual assault charge, with trials set for May and June 2026.

In a related development, a $25-million class-action lawsuit filed last year against Legacy Christian Academy and Mile Two Church was dismissed, as the judge determined the plaintiffs did not reveal previous settlements with three defendants.