Crown will appeal sexual assault verdict

The Crown says there is a solid basis for the appeal it has filed in last week’s acquittal of a driver on a sexual assault charge.

The appeal states the judge erred in law in saying the Crown produced no evidence of the complainant’s lack of consent, and by speculating on the issue of consent rather than drawing inferences from the evidence.

The announcement came not long before a rally at the Grand Parade by hundreds of people demanding an inquiry.

More support for sexual assault victims

The province is improving its support of women, children and other victims of sexual assault.

That includes hiring two special prosecutors to handle these cases, partnering with Ottawa to provide free legal advice for victims, providing special training to Crown attorneys and ensuring police have what they need to investigate. It will also be opening a new domestic violence court in Halifax.