Crown prosecutors begin case in Jacob Hoggard’s sex-assault trial

The complainant in Jacob Hoggard’s sexual assault trial says she attended a concert by his former band Hedley in Kirkland Lake, Ont., the night of the alleged assault in June 2016.

The woman said during brief testimony Tuesday afternoon in court — in nearby Temiskaming Shores, Ont. — that she was 19 years old at the time and attended an after-party with band members and other teen girls after the show.

The Crown and defence agree that the complainant, Hoggard, other band members and other members of the public attended a bonfire that night behind the Comfort Inn, where the band was staying.

An agreed statement of facts read out in the Ontario Superior Court of Justice also established that Hoggard and the complainant had a sexual encounter in Hoggard’s hotel room, which prosecutors are seeking to prove was not consensual.

The B.C. native has pleaded not guilty to a charge of sexual assault and elected to be tried by jury.

Crown Prosecutor Lilly Gates said in a brief opening statement Tuesday afternoon that the complainant, whose name is under a publication ban, will describe how she was assaulted. 

The complainant’s testimony is expected to continue on Wednesday morning.