Former police officer Luanna Gillett was back in court today to finally testify against the man who she says sexually assaulted her. You'll remember that back in March, we spoke to Gillett about all she had endured since she was assaulted in 2024. The incident was captured on surveillance video and the accused was her coworker, PC Durman Dawson.
But more than two years later, Gillett has had to contend with a career change and endless trips to the magistrates' court after multiple adjournments. But today, she told us that the magistrate was adamant that this was the final adjournment.
Courtney Menzies went to San Ignacio for the trial and spoke with Gillett. Here is that story.
Luanna Gillett's story touched many when, after two years, she had still not received justice for the sexual assault she faced at the hands of a fellow cop. Since the start of her case, she's been in and out of court, dealing with delays and adjournments. Finally, her case was set to be back in court and she said she's relieved she finally got the chance to testify.
Luanna Gillett, Sexual Assault Victim
"I must say that I am partially glad, a sense of relief came off me because I got to testify in court this morning, so that is showing me that at least I'm getting partially somewhere in regards to my matter, my long awaited trial for over 2 years. We actually started somewhere today however we got a brief adjournment until this afternoon where I will be cross examined by his attorney. He actually has an attorney with him today, which I am not scared of because I am not lying, I'm just stating the facts of what happened when I was assaulted so the magistrate gave a short adjournment which we are breaking for lunch and then we'll come back at 1 where the trial continues."
But Gillett explained that even though she feels she's been given the run around, the defense's attorney still requested yet another adjournment.
Luanna Gillett, Sexual Assault Victim
"it's funny, it's ironic because this morning I was speaking to someone and I was like, if he comes with an attorney, his attorney will ask for an adjournment and the person was like, no can't ask for an adjournment, this is the final trial. Oh okay, let us see what will happen. Bam, lo and behold, his attorney is asking for an adjournment because he has recently been retained and he's not properly prepared for cross examination and a full trial so he was asking for an adjournment. I actually caught an anxiety attack on the deck, the magistrate saw, she asked if I was okay and I just tried to breathe and told her yes. Well, they didn't facilitate him, well his attorney, with the adjournment that he was requesting. So that is how we ended up with an adjournment for 1:00 after lunch."
Luanna Gillett
"the magistrate expressed that she's not adjourning it to another day to have me dragged back in court because I have been back and forth since two years in court and they think it would be unfair to me because I have been appearing at court at every adjournment and to have another adjournment and have me being dragged back into court would be against be and she is not having it so it is adjourned until after lunch."
And after two years, any step closer to the end is a win for Gillett.
Courtney Menzies:
what are your fears and concerns going into this afternoon session?
Luanna Gillett
"Well, honestly, I don't have any fears because I prayed before I came to court this morning, I know my mom is here with me today standing, she was with me in that courtroom this morning while I was testifying so I have no fear, with or without an attorney the trial will continue and I will get partial closure, even if the other witnesses don't get to testify, I will get partial closure in regards to my trial this afternoon after lunch."
In this afternoon's session. Gillett was cross-examined by the attorney for the defence, Lyndon Jones. Another witness was also cross examined, although that examination was not completed due to time. The case has been adjourned until 14th May which is when the video is expected to be tendered into evidence.
