Home » CK Local News » Rafferty protest set for Saturday; Chatham woman wants justice for Tori Stafford
Rafferty protest set for Saturday; Chatham woman wants justice for Tori Stafford
The is a photo of the Chatham jail, where Michael Rafferty is being held - Aaron Hall Photo
By Aaron Hall – Daily Post Editor
In light of the recent move of Michael Rafferty, one of two accused in the abduction and murder of Woodstock girl Tori Stafford, to the Chatham jail, a local mother-of-three wants some justice for the eight-year-old girl.
“We want to show that communities care and we will do everything we can to make sure justice is served properly,” Bobbie Jean Brophy of Chatham told the Chatham-Kent Daily Post.
Brophy said that once a member on the Facebook group Michael Rafferty is Moved to Chatham Jail!, known as Cherished Treasure, decided to set a time for the protest (Saturday, Oct. 24 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.), she wanted to do what she could to spread the word as well.
“We are outraged because Michael Rafferty was given a choice… he never gave Victoria a choice,” Brophy said. “Rafferty does not in any way deserve a choice. He deserves the basics that he is allowed and nothing more. No ‘special treatment’, no extra telephone time, no extra or extended visits.
Brophy said she has been following the case ever since Tori disappeared after a day at her Woodstock school on April 8. She said she has even gotten to become friends with Tori’s mother, Tara McDonald – who Brophy said is hoping to attend Saturday’s protest.
“A number of people have said they would give Tara a ride from Woodstock… so she is hoping to come,” Brophy said.
Brophy said her and her boy friend and her three children made trips to Woodstock and London for a couple of the balloon releases and candle lightings held in honour of Tori, whose body was discovered in a rural area near Mount Forest on July 19.
The Chatham protest is being organized as a “peaceful, non-violent, quiet demonstration.
“We have absolutely no problem with the Chatham jail. They are just doing their job. We think that it is wrong that it appears that (Rafferty) is being given special privileges,” she said.
Brophy said the group is encouraging people to come out and bring their own signs “and show their support,” she said.
The protest is scheduled for Saturday, October 24 at the Chatham jail, which is located at 17 Seventh St. in Chatham, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
The Facebook group, where this idea for the protest originated, has swelled now to just short of 1,000 members as of 4 p.m. on Monday (Oct. 19).
We have deleted one sentence from Ms. Brophy’s statement in which she expressed her opinion that Rafferty is guilty of murder. The courts have yet to pass judgement on this case and we regret allowing the statement in the original posting of this article.
Rob Armstrong – CKDP
Visitor
October 19, 2009 at 4:32 pm
This protest has the tone of a lynch mob. Michael Rafferty has not been to trial yet and until and if he is convicted of this crime, he is entitled to civile and humane treatment and the presumption of innocence.
As such, he is also entitled to phone calls and visitors, as is any other prisoner. Nowhere in Canadian law do we allow for abuse of prisoners.
Allen Jackson
October 19, 2009 at 6:51 pm
Couldn’t agree more! Prison transfers are common. It’s no big deal folks. Get over it. What a waste of time. Unfortunately some police officers will have to be paid double time to “man the demonstration”. Good grief. Get a life people. Bigger fish to fry. The guy is in jail. Let it be.
oh_mya
October 20, 2009 at 7:25 pm
Let it be Allan? Have you taken a look at the group Michael Rafferty is Moved to Chatam Jail on facebook recently? Anyone who believes this will turn out to be a peaceful rally is in denial and I think maybe the SWAT should suit up for this one lol and who knows maybe some of the protesters will find themselves right next door to Mr Rafferty and can give a play by play in the groups when they get out. Hope Chatam Jail has extra toothbrushes!!!
Real Canadian
October 19, 2009 at 7:23 pm
I would never stand in the way of a person or person’s right to peaceful protest but t his protest has left me scratching my head. What is the purpose for protesting this inmate’s transfer to a nearby Ontario prison? Prison transfers occur frequently in this province and across the nation. Why protest this one? It seems to me that the people behind this protest could better honor the victim by petitioning Legislature for better child protection laws, firmer penalties for crimes against children and better monitoring by Chilren’s Services that might prevent such tragedies from happening in the first place. To say a person who hasn’t even been to trial yet, has no right to be moved from one prison to another and without any knowledge of why that move occurred is just irresponsible and unjust. I’m not saying Mr Rafferty is innocent nor am I saying he’s guilty. But we do live in Canada and this man deserves the same rights and privileges as any other inmate in the system who is awaiting trial. Anything less would be unconstitutional.
Supporter all the way!
October 19, 2009 at 8:49 pm
This is about someone who has murdered an innocent little girl. A little girl who’s rights were taken from her. This quiet demonstration is for people to stand up proud for what they believe is wrong. People are not saying that Rafferty doesn’t deserve what he is entitled to according to the law. People feel as though he doesn’t deserve to have a choice, he doesn’t deserve to pick and choose where he stays while in Jail and he sure as hell doesn’t deserve to have “special treatment”, extra’s or anything over and above what the law states he is allowed. People aren’t stupid and realize that he does (unfortunately) have rights until he is proven Guilty! People DO want to see him alive for his trial. For many of us it’s about the choices and special treatment. And I can guarantee that there are many other things going on to see that Justice is served right, the “demonstration” is just a way for communities to come together to show that they don’t like what is going on in the Justice system. I have attached a couple online petition’s that are also going around to bring awareness to other areas.
http://www.petitiononline.com/tsplea/petition.html
http://www.petitiononline.com/vict888/petition.html
oh_mya
October 20, 2009 at 3:23 pm
Can you please provide the link where its stated Mr Rafferty got to “pick and chose” which facility he was placed in? By the special treatment and extras are you referring to toothpaste and shampoo and underwear or is it the timmys coffee that has your bun too tight? Is it your stand that he should sit in a jail cell with no showers or personal hygene supplies and only bread and water for meals?
timmy
October 19, 2009 at 9:25 pm
Oh look, there’s Bobbie Brophy desperately looking for her 15 mintues of fame!!
Real Canadian, well said. I totally agree.
Jack McDonald
October 20, 2009 at 2:08 am
Could not have said that better..
justice for tori
October 20, 2009 at 2:19 am
at least she has the guts to do something unlike u ppl who are content to sit on ur asses and do nothng
timmy
October 20, 2009 at 1:18 pm
Now there’s an original response if I ever saw one.
There are some people (not naming names, but you all know who I’m talking about) who have done everything they can to silence the people who want to hear the truth about what happened to Victoria. That includes the people who have organized this “protest”, it’s just one more attempt to try and silence Michael Rafferty. I don’t know if he’s innocent or guilty, but I do know that I’d like to see him make it to trial alive and hear his side of the story.
In Canada, people are innocent until proven guilty and unlike 95% of the illiterate posters on that facebook page , I don’t let emotion rule my brain.
You may call that sitting on my ass, I call it being fair and impartial.
p.s. why are people so eager to listen to, believe and follow the unsubstantiated words of an anonymous person called, Cherished Treasure? oh, I forgot, 95% of those same illiterate people are like sheep, bleeting their way blinding to a leader they know nothing about.
DL
October 20, 2009 at 1:55 pm
we canadians all seem to be brainwashed in our early years into “thinking” we are innocent until proven guilty” but this article and issue completely shows how false that belief is. No one’s name should EVER be publicized UNTIL he/she is “proven” guilty. Then we wouldn’t see the mess under this article. I dont remember ever seeing this many comments on a single article here tho i’ve only been following the ckdp for a short time. I don’t know if he’s guilty or not either but he’s already been found guilty in the press and the court of public opinion. And for all those who believe those words in the constitution about being guilty until proven innocent….do you know how many people lose their jobs, their families, their lives because of the publication of their names before they are convicted? Even if they are found not guilty or innocent the courts will have already done damage to those peoples lives and they will have been punished by the ‘process’ regardless of the outcome at trial. What is really disgusting is that Rafferty will probably be held in jail for years before he ever gets to court….and if he is guilty he will get time knocked off (2 for 1) from his sentence, tho depending on the final charge that may not be any consolation to him unless he gets a lesser charge. If he’s not guilty he will have suffered anyway. I doubt there is any new evidence developing in this case…there really should be no reason to prolong this for years…get the guy to trial and lets find out if he is guilty or not. If the justice system here in this country gave people their day in court in a ‘reasonable’ amount of time there would be no reason for this kind of protest crap.
Candi
October 19, 2009 at 10:16 pm
It is my understanding that those whom are choosing to protest are doing so because they have reached no answers as to why the transfer had taken place and thus are left to speculate and assume it is for the reasons mentioned. In my opinion, and this is just my personal opinion, if a prisoner was transfered to a less demanding facility simply because they complained about the way they were being treated within the facility they were being held it, it would upset me a great deal as well. Until people get a legitimate reason for why the transfer took place, they can only assume that Rafferty was transfered because he did not like being treated like a criminal. If we allow one person to be transfered to a less demanding facility simply because he does not like being treated like every other person in that facility, then what is to say other’s being held cannot do the same? To give the treatment of transfer to one, is to invite a transfer request for everyone. I do believe the protest is a simple way to show that those of the public are not satisfied with the reason for transfer to a lesser demanding facility. Perhaps, if this protest does not show that Rafferty being transfered to a less demanding facility won’t get him out of the public eye, then perhaps it will encourage his defenses to release the real reason as to why he was warranted his request for transfer. As the article states, and I stand behind, why should anyone being held up on charges be given special privledges. If you break a law, you’re going to be treated like a criminal. Don’t like it, don’t break the laws. I support those wishing to protest, be it because they want Rafferty transfered to the prison he was originally placed in, whether he likes it or not, or because they want real answers as to why he was permitted transfer in the first place. Without answering these questions, it’s no wonder people are in an uproar when they discover he’s being treated better then he cared to treat Tori Stafford.
oh_mya
October 20, 2009 at 1:08 am
After visiting the Michael Rafferty is Moved to Chatam Jail group on facebook and reading the wall and the threads it seems though some would like to take us back to the 1500`s when accused were simply hung in the streets without fair trials.
Within that group I have seen an uproar of posters who are horrified that prisoners are allowed toothbrushes, shampoo and underwear and the thought of receiving guests and having a tim hortons coffee should be completely forbidden.
While I completely sympathise with the Stafford family, Mr Rafferty is accused and has not had a trial where his guilt is proven. In the Canada I know, we are presumed innocent until proven guilty regardless if we are in prison, bail withholding.
I dont think the legal society or any jail facility owes the public any reasons why they do what they do especially for someone who hasnt been found guilty yet. I wonder if every person who was ever accussed should have this kind of treatment especially if at the end of trial they were found innocent or the charges dismissed?
I am outraged that police officers will have to babysit while protesters speak about things they have no business asking since I`m sure the prison officials and attorneys have matters well in hand, while they could be writing letters to our government officials to have the laws changed and updated, where they can speak their mind without sentencing a presumed innocent man guilty without trial.
I do hope that justice will prevail in this case as with any other that is before the courts, however every man should have his day in court and allow a jury of his piers to judge and not a lynch mob.
Jack McDonald
October 20, 2009 at 2:01 am
“I am outraged that police officers will have to babysit while protesters speak about things they have no business asking since I`m sure the prison officials and attorneys have matters well in hand, while they could be writing letters to our government officials to have the laws changed and updated, where they can speak their mind without sentencing a presumed innocent man guilty without trial.
I do hope that justice will prevail in this case as with any other that is before the courts, however every man should have his day in court and allow a jury of his piers to judge and not a lynch mob”
I too am outraged, well spoken.
justice for tori
October 20, 2009 at 2:10 am
how is it a lynch mob ur exaggerating! its a peaceful protest maybe if ppl didnt cater to criminal child murders needs this group and protest would not be neccessary your comments are just telling me ur pro con!
oh_mya
October 20, 2009 at 3:15 pm
Pro-con? What a totally histerical observation. But I am anti animal towards those who are only charged and not convicted.
justice for tori
October 20, 2009 at 1:36 am
what you people fail to see is that he has admitted his guilt there for whether he is tried or not, he, himself admitted to being involved, and u would not be saying this if it was your child you would be at the forefront of the protest …..so think about it ,yes its innocent till proven guilty but when he admits involvement, i don’t need a jury to tell me hes guilty so. think.. for goodness sakes, none of the other prisoners get the extra visits , they are entitled to two visits a week, plus if they make a request in a week or so in advance they can get one extra sporadically, trust me i know i have seen it happen at visits at Chatham jail they don’t get there own TV trust me i know people in Chatham jail and none of them get the same treatment and so he is getting special privileges whether u believe it or not and they are presumed innocent too , so why not say everyone gets the right to extended visits and all the luxuries Michael gets… oh yea thats right …….its cause if it was that way it wouldn’t be jail or punishment it would be home and luxuries!!!!!!!!!!!! so think before u open your mouths put your self in ms Brophy’s place at least shes doing something proactive and if tori’s mum wants to be here obviously she supports it also….
Jack McDonald
October 20, 2009 at 1:53 am
“what you people fail to see is that he has admitted his guilt there for whether he is tried or not, he, himself admitted to being involved”
Oh really? Show me or tell me where he has “admitted” his involvement!!! Last i heard he plead NOT GUILTY. Nice try..
justice for tori
October 20, 2009 at 2:09 am
either way he still shouldnt get extra luxuries the other people dont get and i was only stating what i was told
justice for tori
October 20, 2009 at 2:14 am
what nothing to say now u know he shouldnt be getting more then others and i have a right to state this. i dont want that scum in my city i worry about my child, sorry if u dont care for the safty of urs
support for Victoria"s family
October 20, 2009 at 9:35 am
The scum bag pleaded not guilty because that is a choice he gets. He is obviously “involved” or he would not be sitting in jail right now. Who do you think is paying his way to comfort. I thank Miss Brophy for seeing the real picture and doing what she can to help.
oh_mya
October 20, 2009 at 3:19 pm
A man accused of a crime is behind bars awaiting trial. He is presumed innocent until he is found guilty in a court of law and by a jury of his peers. I suspect he is the only person in jail for you to be only afraid of him as far as your child is concerned? Theatrics and drama and if nothing else MS BROPHY has a newspaper clipping to frame for her wall
twoguest
October 20, 2009 at 5:25 pm
“i dont want that scum in my city”
Would that be Rafferty or the “scum” who will join the protest?
Please folks let the justice system run it’s course and stop the “mob” mentality.
justice for tori
October 20, 2009 at 8:29 pm
i meant rafferty
Pie Eating Canadian
October 20, 2009 at 3:01 am
Don’t you want this man alive to make it to a trial? Don’t you want to know what happenned? Who cares what jail he is in…as long as he is in one and makes it to trial. I believe this is Miss Brophy’s 2nd time around with her 15 minutes of fame…..
oh_mya
October 20, 2009 at 4:05 pm
I absolutely agree. Keep him safe in whatever way is needed to ensure his story is heard. Perhaps there are some who dont want to know the real story as its so much easier to begin with once upon a time
support for Victoria"s family
October 20, 2009 at 9:49 am
I suggest you no longer waste your time and get your self all upset.You really have no right to tell people who care to “get a life”. Were you ever told to speak out against some thing you believe is wrong,? Let us speak , with out judgment and insults Please
oh_mya
October 20, 2009 at 3:35 pm
It is absolutely honorable to support the Stafford family and want justice for crimes, not only Tori but others as well. Speaking out about something you are passionate about without knowing the end results of a trial and sentencing is uninformed and arrogant. Be passionate about your letter writing to government officials to have laws ugraded and changed and added to protect the children and all of us. To speak about about something that has no end result is pompous and self absorbed and quite frankly a waste of space. Let the police officers who have to babysit the peaceful deomonstation spend their time with their families as they were suppose to do. By planning these protests bring me back to the days of peace and love which none of the attendees have on their minds
Sara
October 20, 2009 at 9:08 pm
Things like this is exactly why I don’t think the names of any accused people should be publicized until after a trial and they are proven guilty; just like under the YCJA.
In nearly every single Facebook group regarding this case, everyone has labeled both of the accused as guilty for the crime they’re charged with. In this country we live in, we are all presumed innocent, until proven guilty… and thank God for that. There have been numerous times where a person has been charged, and even imprisoned, for a crime they did not commit.
Let’s not forget that Rafferty has plead ‘not guilty.’ For whatever reason, this decision was made by himself and his lawyer, and at this point it deserves to be respected. He deserves a fair trial… and with the amount of flack he’s receiving already, God only knows if he’ll get one… and maybe your silly protest will get in the way of a proper conviction, if he is in fact guilty. That’d be great, right?
So while people like those who organized the protest, those who planned to attend the protest, and those who sit at home and name off numerous things that should be changed, there are actual people, with real jobs… (that they are trying to do, mind you!) who don’t need to be put under the microscope every time a Facebook Detective does not agree with a decision they’ve made.
Everything in this article is basically a ‘he said, she said’ type deal, and I’m shocked it would even be printed. Bobbie Brophy is a nobody… she is one of those Facebook Detectives… and her words and opinions are being taken seriously by far too many people. She gets her ‘information’ from sources who will remain unnamed… that says a lot about the validity of her sources!
Don’t get me wrong. I definitely sympathize with both the Staffords and the McDonalds, however, I have to sympathize with the families of the accused as well… until anything is proven, everyone needs to put aside their emotions and attachments and look at this case from outside the box. Making numerous Facebook groups, events, etc are not helping your/the case… it is only hindering it. Do something useful; try to get laws changed to protect children, etc…. don’t worry about which jail a criminal is in… be happy their behind bars.