WARNING: This article contains graphic content and may affect those who have experienced sexual violence or know someone affected by it.
Canadian rock musician Jacob Hogard will remain on bail pending sentencing for sexual assault after raping a Ottawa woman in the fall of 2016.
A Toronto jury convicted Hadley’s former frontman on one charge Sunday, but acquitted him of two charges involving a 16-year-old fan. Hogard, 37, pleaded not guilty to all three charges and was tried in the Ontario Supreme Court on May 5.
On Monday, Ontario Supreme Court Justice Gillian Roberts ordered new conditions for Hogard’s bail, including his stay in British Columbia, except when he has to travel to Toronto to attend court and he cannot have passport.
His wife, Rebecca Asselstin, will act as one of the two guarantors and provide a $ 200,000 bail to ensure he meets the conditions for bail.
Hogard must reside at his family home in Vancouver or another pre-approved address with one of his guarantors and is subject to curfew from 10:00 pm to 6:00 am, with random virtual compliance checks.
Hogard is due to return to court on Friday at 14:15 ET to set a date for his sentence.
“The stakes are extremely high for Mr Hogard”
A sentence of sexual assault carries a maximum sentence of 14 years’ imprisonment; there is no minimum penalty unless a firearm is involved or the applicant is under 16 years of age.
The Crown demanded that Hogard’s bail be revoked after his conviction, but his lawyer, Megan Saward, said it would be easier for Hogard to prepare for his sentence if he remained on bail.
WATCH Jacob Hogard was found guilty of sexual assault causing bodily harm:
Jacob Hogard pleaded guilty to sexual assault on an Ottawa woman acquitted on two other charges
WARNING: The video contains details of sexual violence Former Hedley frontman Jacob Hogard has been found guilty of sexual assault after forcibly raping an Ottawa woman in the fall of 2016, but a Toronto jury acquitted him of sexually assaulting a 16-year-old.
Roberts acknowledged that Hogard posed an increased risk of flying because he faced a significant prison sentence.
However, she said his strong ties to his community, as well as the fact that he has a young son, works in Vancouver, and his wife’s financial pledge are enough to ensure he meets the conditions for his release and present in court.
“The stakes are extremely high for Mr Hogard. I believe that he should be put in the best possible position in the circumstances in order to prepare for the verdict, “Roberts said at the court hearing, which took place on Zoom.
New charge of sexual assault causing bodily harm
Hogard is now facing a new charge of sexual assault causing bodily harm in connection with an alleged incident involving a third applicant in Kirkland Lake, Ont., In June 2016.
Hogard is scheduled to appear in court on the latest indictment on August 4.
Support is available to anyone who has been sexually assaulted. You can access crisis lines and local support services through this website of the Government of Canada or the Association for the Elimination of Violence in Canada database. If you are in immediate danger or fear for your safety or the safety of others around you, please call 911.
Add Comment