A Canadian rock star has pleaded not guilty to sexual assault charges in Ontario after he allegedly choked a teen during an attack after one of his concerts.
Former frontman of Hedley, Jacob Hoggard, began his trial for the attack that allegedly took place following the concert in Kirkland, Ontario on June 25, 2016.
The woman claimed in court that she was 19 years old when she met the singer, along with a small group of other girls, at an after party.
The band members, including Hoggard, allegedly lured the girls to a campfire behind a local hotel and brought alcohol, according to the Toronto Star.
The woman added that she had around five to eight beers that night, and as the sun rose and the other girls began leaving, she tried to arrange a ride home before Hoggard told her to stay.
Under questioning by Crown attorney Peter Keen, she said she was told they would play some music and have a casual conversation.
‘I trusted him, I found him pleasant. I didn’t see anything abnormal,’ she added, also stating she remembered talking to Hoggard and getting a selfie with him at the campsite.
Crown attorney, Lilly Gates, told the jury that the alleged victim is expected to describe the events that occurred Hoggard’s hotel room that night.
Specifically, she is expected to testify that he called her a ‘pig’ as well as committing degrading sexual acts such as choking, slapping and urination, according to Times Colonist.
Gates also said, reported the Toronto Star, that the woman is expected to testify she ‘thought it would be cool that Hoggard wanted to hang out with her one-on-one’.
Superior Court Justice Robin Tremblay told the jury that Hoggard admits to having sexual contact with the woman, with the dispute being the issue of consent.
The complainant’s testimony is expected to continue on Wednesday.