CORNER BROOK Stephen Carey has denied all allegations of wrongdoing in the case of sexual assault against him.
The “she said, he said” sexual assault trial involving Carey concluded Friday. The former mayor of Daniels Harbour and co-owner of an ambulance service is facing allegations he sexually assaulted a female in southwestern Newfoundland last August.
Carey was not mayor at the time of the alleged incident, but was a paramedic and part owner of the ambulance service based in Port aux Basques. The alleged incident occurred while he was working.
Carey, and four other witnesses, took the stand Friday as lawyer Keir O’Flaherty presented his defence. The 55-year-old accused denied the allegations stating he touched the complainant’s breasts or nipples and denied making a number of sexually oriented remarks. He says his actions could not be described as sexual innuendo. He did admit to checking the woman’s breathing with his stethoscope on her back.
O’Flaherty concentrated much of his final submission on the inconsistencies of the complainant’s testimony, including what he said were three separate versions describing the sexual assault — one to police, one during her testimony and the other during cross-examination. The attorney suggested these should be the events she remembered most clearly.
He referred to the case against Carey as a stereotypical powerful man versus weak woman.
Crown attorney Edward Ring said it was important to remember a witness is not expected to remember all details, as they are not supposed to act in a particular manner during or after a sexual assault. He said the inconsistencies were within the realm of what can be expected of a person to remember.
Ring said the Crown has proven beyond a reasonable doubt the criteria set out for a conviction. He said touching a person in a sexual way without consent is a violation of their sexual integrity, and warrants a conviction.
Judge Wayne Gorman scheduled July 25 to present his decision in court. He expects to release his written decision to the lawyers before then.
