Trial dates have been confirmed for a Chatham-Kent doctor facing multiple sex-related charges involving a minor.
The case of Dr. Robert Wismer was up again in Chatham court on Monday to confirm the trial dates of April 2 and 10, and June 1 and 8, 2026.
There's also another hearing scheduled for March 27, 2026, to determine if a statement, confession, or piece of evidence provided by Wismer to police was given freely.
Under Canadian law, the Crown must prove voluntariness beyond "a reasonable doubt", ensuring the statement is "reliable and not coerced", with a focus on factors like threats, promises, oppression, and whether the accused had an "operating mind."
Wismer was initially charged in October 2024 with three counts of sexual assault, three counts of sexual interference, and three counts of invitation to sexual touching of persons under 16 years old.
New charges of sexual assault and sexual interference of persons under 16 years old were laid against the doctor a couple of weeks later.
The charges stem from alleged incidents between August 29, 2024, and October 12, 2024.
Wismer is under several release conditions imposed by the court and practice restrictions imposed by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario.
As of November 13, 2024, Dr. Wismer is prohibited from engaging in any in-person patient encounters and is to restrict his practice to virtual care only, he must refer patients who need a physical exam or in-person care to another physician, and he is banned from providing any virtual care to patients under the age of 18 years old.
Wismer must also inform the College of each practice location within five days and submit to and not interfere with unannounced inspections of the practice locations and patient records by the College and to any other activity the College deems necessary to monitor his compliance with the restrictions.
The College said any breach of the restrictions may result in professional misconduct and may result in a referral to the Discipline Tribunal, which may result in Wismer's licence being revoked, suspended, or terms and conditions imposed.
