Hamilton police officer accused of raping colleague says their affair was consensual
The case of a Hamilton police officer accused of sexually assaulting a colleague took a dramatic turn as the defence lawyer portrayed the relationship between the two as a consensual affair. The accused officer, Jeffery Turnbull, and his colleague, whose identity is protected, were involved in other relationships when the alleged assault took place in March 2022. Turnbull was charged with sexual assault by Ontario’s Special Investigations Unit in June 2023.
The trial resumed at the Hamilton courthouse after a hiatus, with conflicting narratives emerging from the testimonies of the woman accusing Turnbull and Turnbull himself. The defence lawyer, Joanne Mulcahy, repeatedly suggested that the female officer was engaged in an affair with Turnbull, which she vehemently denied. Mulcahy alleged that the woman had cheated on her boyfriend, now her fiancé, with someone else and had met up with Turnbull outside of work after the alleged assault.
The woman, aged 28, testified that Turnbull had sent her inappropriate messages and touched her without consent over a period of four months before the assault took place in his basement. Turnbull has pleaded not guilty to the charge of sexual assault. The woman recounted how Turnbull had guilted her into coming to his house by saying his children wanted to see her, and then proceeded to assault her.
During the trial, Mulcahy presented evidence of the woman and Turnbull engaging in flirtatious communication, suggesting a mutual interest between them. The woman explained that she played along with Turnbull’s advances to avoid conflict at work, even though she felt uncomfortable. Text messages and interactions between the two were scrutinized, with Turnbull claiming that the woman had sent him suggestive photos and messages, which she denied.
The trial delved into the details of their interactions, with Turnbull describing intimate exchanges that the woman refuted. The woman maintained that she had repeatedly expressed her discomfort and lack of consent, while Turnbull painted a different picture of their relationship. The trial continued with further testimonies and evidence being presented.
If you or someone you know is in immediate danger or has experienced sexual violence, please seek help by calling 911 or accessing local crisis lines and support services. It is essential to prioritize safety and well-being in such situations.
