WARNING: Some readers may find the details of this story disturbing. Discretion is advised.
Former Vancouver Canuck Jake Virtanen was back on the stand at his sexual assault trial on Friday.
Virtanen unexpectedly took the stand Thursday and told the court he first met the whistleblower, who cannot be named due to a publication ban, in 2017 at the Calgary Stampede.
She told the court they kept in touch and then met in Vancouver, adding that after they met he picked her up and told her they were going to his hotel.
He stated that she did not raise any concerns about it.
On Friday, the Crown questioned Virtanen about his intentions the night he picked up the complainant in Vancouver and drove her to the Westin Bayshore.
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Virtanen replied that he had not specifically thought of the meeting as a hookup or for sex. He added that he did not know anything would happen, but told the court that the complainant did not raise any concerns.
The Crown asked Virtanen if he assumed the complainant was there to have sex and he replied “no”, adding that they had not discussed it.
When asked why he took her straight to the hotel room when there were restaurants and bars they could have gone to, Virtanen testified that they never discussed where they could go.
“You felt that you did all this work and you loved (the complainant) that you were going to meet and have sex no matter what,” the Crown attorney asked.
“It’s not true,” Virtanen said.
“He felt they owed it to you,” said the Crown attorney.
“No,” Virtanen replied.
“You decided you were going to have sex even if she said no,” the Crown attorney added.
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“She didn’t say no … ever,” Virtanen told the court.
2:54 Virtanen emotional accuser during cross-examination Virtanen emotional accuser during cross-examination
The Crown attorney suggested Virtanen never asked the complainant any questions because he knew she did not want to have sex with him.
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Virtanen contested this allegation.
“She already told you ‘no’ several times,” the Crown attorney said.
“No,” Virtanen replied.
“Did you ever hear him say yes?” asked the Crown Counsel.
“She told me through her actions,” added Virtanen.
2:41 Whistleblower questioned in former Vancouver Canuck sexual assault case Whistleblower questioned in former Vancouver Canuck sexual assault case
During his testimony Thursday, Virtanen also stated that the complainant never raised any concerns.
When asked about the alleged sexual assault, Virtanen said the complainant “was active and an enthusiastic participant.” She said she “absolutely felt like she was into it. To me, it was obvious that she wanted to have sex.”
Read more: Former Vancouver Canuck Jake Virtanen tells sexual assault trial about night he met complainant
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The complainant stated that she resisted Virtanen verbally and physically.
During cross-examination Thursday, Virtanen’s defense attorney asked the complainant why she attended a Canucks game two days after the alleged assault. He said he pretended everything was normal because he wanted to pretend the alleged assault hadn’t happened.
Read more: Jake Virtanen trial: Defense asks complainant why she didn’t plead to avoid sex
If you or someone you know has been a victim of sexual assault or is involved in an abusive situation, visit the Canadian Crime Victim Resource Center for help. You can also be reached toll-free at 1-877-232-2610.
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