Close X
Tuesday, December 17, 2024
ADVT 
National

Man Accused Of Sexually Assaulting Four Women At University of Victoria Won't Be Charged: Crown

The Canadian Press, 08 Apr, 2016 01:15 PM
  • Man Accused Of Sexually Assaulting Four Women At University of Victoria Won't Be Charged: Crown
VICTORIA — Sexual assault charges will not be filed against a man who police arrested after complaints from four students at the University of Victoria.
 
B.C.'s Criminal Justice Branch says a report on the case was reviewed by several senior prosecutors, who concluded that the allegations didn't meet its charge assessment standard.
 
Saanich police had recommended last month that an unnamed male student face sexual assault charges.
 
The branch says in a news release that prosecutors have to be aware of the burden of proof beyond a reasonable doubt and the credibility or reliability of witnesses.
 
It says it has a policy specific to allegations of sexual assault, recognizing that where the evidence test has been met, it is generally in the public interest to prosecute.
 
The allegations were the third sex-assault complaint investigated at the university since September, although police said last month that they didn't think the incidents were linked.
 
In the case of the four women who made complaints, the Criminal Justice Branch says: "On the available evidence, there is no substantial likelihood of conviction."
 
 
It says in cases of sexual assault, the Crown must be able to prove there was sexual contact and an absence of consent.
 
"In addition, to proceed with a charge of sexual assault, the branch's charge assessment standard requires that Crown counsel be satisfied no viable defences arise on the evidence, including the defence of honest but mistaken belief in consent."
 
The branch says because no charges are being laid, the name of the suspect will not be released and it will not discuss the details of the evidence in the case because of the complainants' privacy interests.

MORE National ARTICLES

Drivers Of Two Vehicles Killed In Crash On Highway 16 Near Valemount, B.C.

Drivers Of Two Vehicles Killed In Crash On Highway 16 Near Valemount, B.C.
 Two people are dead after a collision between a commercial transport truck and an SUV on Highway 16 in eastern B.C.

Drivers Of Two Vehicles Killed In Crash On Highway 16 Near Valemount, B.C.

Syrian Refugee Housing Numbers Improving, Next Step Is Finding Jobs: John McCallum

Syrian Refugee Housing Numbers Improving, Next Step Is Finding Jobs: John McCallum
Speaking at a funding announcement in Montreal today, McCallum said 69 per cent of the refugees outside Quebec have found permanent accommodation.

Syrian Refugee Housing Numbers Improving, Next Step Is Finding Jobs: John McCallum

Don't Leave Them Kids Alone: State Lawmakers Target Parents

Don't Leave Them Kids Alone: State Lawmakers Target Parents
Parents who fear the judgment of neighbours if they leave their kids alone at home or in a car may soon have more than a 'tsk, tsk' to worry about in Rhode Island.

Don't Leave Them Kids Alone: State Lawmakers Target Parents

University Of Alberta Students Call For Action To Reduce Fentanyl Deaths

University Of Alberta Students Call For Action To Reduce Fentanyl Deaths
A group of University of Alberta students is calling for action to reduce the growing number of people who are dying from fentanyl overdoses.

University Of Alberta Students Call For Action To Reduce Fentanyl Deaths

Public Notice Issued About Glue And Fuel-Products Spill Into B.C. Lake

Public Notice Issued About Glue And Fuel-Products Spill Into B.C. Lake
Interior Health has issued a public notice, saying the city is using an alternate source for water.

Public Notice Issued About Glue And Fuel-Products Spill Into B.C. Lake

Justin Trudeau At UN Promotes Ways To Move To Gender Equality

Justin Trudeau At UN Promotes Ways To Move To Gender Equality
The prime minister is explaining his thoughts on gender equality before a clearly approving audience at the United Nations.

Justin Trudeau At UN Promotes Ways To Move To Gender Equality