Halifax man accused of touching three women pleads guilty to one assault charge

HALIFAX, N.S. — A Halifax man has pleaded guilty to one charge of common assault rather than go to trial on three counts of sexual assault.

Nathaniel Francis (Nate) Caravan, 27, was accused of inappropriately touching three women at the same Halifax location between December 2019 and February 2020.

The charges were first in Halifax provincial court in May 2022. Defence lawyer James Giacomantonio entered not-guilty pleas for his client in September 2022, and the trial was supposed to take place this week.

But during an appearance last month, Caravan accepted responsibility for his actions by pleading guilty to one count of the included offence of assault. The charge was amended to include all three complainants.

Caravan’s sentencing hearing is set for Nov. 3. Judge Gregory Lenehan ordered him to co-operate with preparation of a presentence report.

Giacomantonio told the court the guilty plea was the result of extensive negotiations with Crown attorney Steve Degen, and they will have a joint sentencing recommendation for the judge’s consideration.

The identities of the complainants are protected by a publication ban. Caravan is free on a March 2022 undertaking to police that prohibits him from having contact with the three women or going to the address where the incidents occurred.