Assault trial begins for Duff Friesen, former principal of Saskatoon’s Legacy Christian Academy

(Chad Hills / CTV News)

The assault trial for a former principal of a private Christian school began at Saskatoon’s Court of King’s Bench on Monday.

Duff Arthur Friesen, 67, is facing 11 charges of assault with a weapon.

He is being tried on the first four charges now, and the other seven charges (by different complainants) in September.

The alleged incidents happened while Friesen was a principal at the then-called Christian Centre Academy.

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The school — operated by Mile Two Church — rebranded as Legacy Christian Academy, and most-recently as Valour Academy.

In 2021 and 2022, former students went to police alleging physical abuse by staff.

Friesen was working as a principal at Prince Albert’s Regent Academy when he turned himself in to Saskatoon police on June 15, 2023.

On Nov. 16, 2023 Friesen pleaded not guilty to the 11 counts of assault with a weapon.

Jury selection for Friesen’s trial began Monday.

Justice Natasha Crooks granted Friesen’s request for a publication ban.

The publication ban prevents reporting of all evidence, lawyers’ arguments, exhibits filed and possible victim-impact statements.

Journalists are allowed to report on the court process, the verdict, and any sentence imposed — if Friesen is found guilty.

The publication ban aims to protect the integrity of Friesen’s second jury trial scheduled for Sept. 15.