An 82-year-old man, Lawrence Serson, charged in a brutal 1994 sexual assault case in Kingston, will finally face trial after spending more than 30 months in custody. The long-awaited decision came after a five-day preliminary hearing last month.
Cold Case Reopened With New Forensic Evidence
The case against Serson dates back to 1994, when he was allegedly involved in a violent sexual assault against a 44-year-old woman living alone in Kingston. The victim, whose identity remains protected by a publication ban, has since passed away. The recent push to bring the case to trial hinges on forensic breakthroughs: DNA evidence discovered years later that linked Serson to the crime.
It was the Kingston Police Major Crime Unit that arrested Serson in January 2023, in Hamilton, Ontario. This arrest reopened wounds that had long remained closed, shedding light on an unresolved chapter of Kingston’s criminal history. According to police statements, the charges include sexual assault causing bodily harm, breaking and entering with intent, assault, uttering threats, and forcible confinement.
While Serson admitted to uttering a death threat during the preliminary hearing, his other charges will now be tested in court.
A Trial Delayed but Not Denied
Serson’s case has been marked by multiple delays, stretching the legal process painfully for all involved. Assistant Crown attorney Jennifer Ferguson noted that the majority of these setbacks were due to Serson’s own behaviour, though she didn’t specify what exactly caused the slowdowns.
Interestingly, during the preliminary hearing, it became apparent that Serson struggles with hearing difficulties. While he was provided with an assistive listening device for this hearing, previous court appearances—over 40 since his arrest—showed he was rarely given such accommodations. This raises questions about whether he fully understood all court proceedings to date.
The Man Behind the Charges
Court descriptions paint Serson as a short, angular elderly man with a white beard and hair. His appearances in court varied—from casual hoodies to collared shirts—adding a humanizing layer to a case that is otherwise steeped in grim allegations.
At 82, facing decades-old accusations is unusual but not unheard of, particularly in cases where justice catches up with cold evidence. His lengthy custody period before trial also underscores the challenge courts face balancing timely justice and due process in such complex cases.
What’s Next for Kingston’s Legal Scene?
The upcoming trial will likely draw public attention, not just for its serious charges but also because it highlights how advancements in forensic science can breathe new life into cold cases. It’s a reminder that even decades later, victims can find some measure of justice.
Legal observers will be watching closely how the court handles Serson’s age and health issues alongside the gravity of the charges. And for Kingston, the case stirs a larger conversation about support for victims, the passage of time, and the pursuit of truth.
| Charge | Status | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Sexual assault causing harm | To be tried | Key charge based on DNA evidence |
| Breaking and entering | To be tried | Related to unlawful entry |
| Assault | To be tried | Physical attack alleged |
| Uttering threats | Pleaded guilty | One count admitted by Serson |
| Forcible confinement | To be tried | Holds the victim against will |
One can’t help but wonder—how many more stories like this linger quietly, waiting for science or time to unearth the truth? This case shines a harsh spotlight on the persistence required to bring decades-old crimes before the bench.
