Complainant breaks down as cross-examination resumes in Hoggard sexual assault trial

HAILEYBURY, Ont. -

-- WARNING -- The following details of the sexual assault case may be disturbing, discretion is advised.

Jacob Hoggard's sexual assault trial resumed this morning with a brief, emotional exchange during the continued cross-examination of his accuser.

The complainant alleges Hoggard raped, choked, slapped and urinated on her in his hotel room after she attended his band's concert and an after-party in Kirkland Lake, Ont., eight years ago.

Hoggard has pleaded not guilty in the trial, which is taking place in the northeastern Ontario community of Haileybury.

The defence and Crown agree that a sexual encounter took place, but prosecutors are seeking to prove it was not consensual.

The complainant broke down in sobs and requested a break about 20 minutes into the day while under intense questioning from defence lawyer Megan Savard about her memories of the alleged assault.

The woman forcefully denied that there was a romantic atmosphere in the hotel room and that she did anything to participate in the removal of her clothing.

Savard was questioning the quality of her memory, and whether it was possible she was basing her testimony on emotions rather than recall, when the complainant began to break down.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Sept. 27, 2024.

Background

Hoggard was charged in 2022 with sexual assault in relation to an incident that allegedly occurred in Kirkland Lake, Ont., on June 25, 2016.

He performed with his band Hedley at the Kirkland Lake Homecoming festival the day before the alleged incident.

Superior Court Justice Robin Tremblay is presiding over the trial at the Haileybury courthouse in Temiskaming Shores.

The trial is expected to last seven days, but two weeks have been set aside.

Hoggard is being defended by attorneys Megan Savard and Kally Ho.

Throughout the proceedings, the accused can be seen sitting at a table next to his legal team wearing a black suit, white dress shirt and black tie.

He pleaded not guilty to the charge against him Monday.

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant Crown Attorney Peter Keen and Crown Attorney Lilly Gates.

Hoggard was the lead singer of the rock band Hedley until 2018 when the band announced it went into an indefinite hiatus.

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