Chatham-Kent Councillor Jeff Wesley has won a $25,000 civil suit against Water Wells First spokesperson Kevin Jakubec for defamatory comments.
According to a letter sent by lawyer Michael Lerner, Jakubec made statements to the Wallaceburg Courier Press that Wesley “mislead the public” and he “cannot be trusted.” The comments are in reference to a "shame award" that Jakubec presented to Wesley in the form a Pinocchio statue in January 2017.
Water Wells First is giving Chatham-Kent Councillor Jeff Wesley its second shame award. February 24, 2017. (Photo by Paul Pedro)
"The important principle here is not only for him, but for any other person on council or any person of character who chooses to run for council. [They] need to know that they will not be subjected to these types of defamatory statements, which [damages] their reputation and good character," explains Lerner.
Lerner says once the money has been awarded to his client, Wesley will be donating all funds to a charity or group dedicated to the preservation of clean drinking water.
Jakubec was given written notice dated March 1 from Lerner, stating that if he did not retract his statements and publicly apologize, he would be facing a defamation lawsuit.
Jakubec claims he didn't know Wesley was following through with the lawsuit, and the last correspondence he had with the councillor was when he wished him a "Happy Easter."
"I didn't even know there was a court date set, I received nothing from the court for a court appearance. To find out that Councillor Wesley has gone to court and sought a judgement against me, without me being present -- yeah I find that a little bit strange," says Jakubec.
Jakubec says he is completely shocked by the news.
"I feel blindsided. Given that this has happened, I'm certainly going to defend my name. I'm certainly going to defend the work I'm doing and protecting our aquifer and our families," says Jakubec.
Jakubec says he plans to file an official appeal against the court's decision.