WARNING: This article contains graphic content and may affect people who have experienced or know someone who has been sexually abused.
Canadian rock musician Jacob Hoggard will remain on bail prior to his conviction for sexual assault that caused bodily harm after raping an Ottawa woman in the fall of 2016.
A Toronto jury on Sunday sentenced former Hedley leader to one charge, but acquitted him of two charges related to a 16-year-old fan. Hoggard, 37, pleaded not guilty to all three charges and his trial began in the Ontario Superior Court on May 5.
On Monday, Ontario High Court Judge Gillian Roberts ordered new bail conditions for Hoggard, including staying in British Columbia province, except when he has to travel to Toronto to appear in court. he cannot have a passport.
His wife, Rebekah Asselstine, will act as one of the two guarantors and offer a $ 200,000 pledge to make sure she meets her bail.
Hoggard must reside at his family’s home in Vancouver, or at another address previously approved with one of his endorsements, and is subject to a curfew from 10:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m., with random virtual compliance checks. .
Hoggard is due to return to court Friday at 2:15 p.m. ET for a sentencing date to be set.
“The stakes are high for Mr Hoggard”
A conviction for sexual assault carries a maximum sentence of 14 years in prison; there is no minimum sentence unless there is a firearm or the complainant is under 16 years of age.
The Crown had asked for Hoggard’s bail to be revoked after his conviction, but his defense attorney, Megan Savard, argued that it would be easier for Hoggard to prepare for his conviction if he remained on bail.
TARGET | Jacob Hoggard convicted of sexual assault causing bodily harm:
Jacob Hoggard pleaded guilty to sexually assaulting an Ottawa woman, acquitted of two other charges
WARNING: Video contains details of sexual violence Former Hedley leader Jacob Hoggard has been convicted of sexual assault that caused bodily harm after violently raping an Ottawa woman in the fall of 2016, but a Toronto jury acquitted him of assault. sexually to a 16-year-old.
Roberts acknowledged that Hoggard was at greater risk of absconding because he was facing a major prison sentence.
However, he said his strong ties to his community, as well as the fact that he has a young son, works in Vancouver and the financial promise of his wife, were enough to make sure he would meet the terms of his release and attended court.
“The stakes are extremely high for Mr Hoggard. I think he has to put himself in the best possible position in the circumstances to prepare for the verdict,” Roberts told the court hearing for Zoom.
A new count of sexual assaults that cause bodily harm
Hoggard is now facing a new count of sexual assault that caused bodily harm, related to an alleged incident involving a third complainant in Kirkland Lake, Ontario, in June 2016.
Hoggard is scheduled to appear in court for the last charge on August 4.
Support is available to anyone who has been sexually assaulted. You can access local crisis lines and support services through this Government of Canada website or the Association of Canada database to end violence. If you are in immediate danger or fear for your safety or the safety of others around you, call 911.