Judge to allow testimony via CCTV in upcoming historical sex assault trial
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LETHBRIDGE, AB – Court of Queen’s Bench Justice Johnna Kubik has ruled that a Crown application to have two witnesses testify via CCTV in an upcoming sexual assault trial, will be granted.
The application involves two complainants/witnesses – one of whom now lives in Utah, while the other lives in Alaska. During a voir dire Monday July 29, Crown Prosecutor Erin Olsen argued that compelling the women to testify in person would cause them to potentially lose valuable time, wages, and could incur additional childcare costs.
The Defense argued that the case could hinge on the reliability and/or credibility of the complainants/witnesses which could be compromised by CCTV testimony. In addition, it could impede the defense’s ability to adequately cross-examine.
A 50-year-old man from Raymond has been charged with four counts of sexual assault, and one count of touching for a sexual purpose, a person under the age of 14. The charges relate to alleged incidents that occurred between 1986 and 1993 when he was an adult. There are three complainants and one witness in the case.
