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In wake of victim's suicide, man found guilty of sexual assault

The 39-year-old Quebec man stood accused of sexually assaulting Kassidi Coyle

A judge has found Shawn Roy guilty of sexual assaulting a young Barrie woman who killed herself before the case went to trial.

The verdict was delivered this morning before Coyle's mom Judi, her oldest daughter and about a dozen friends and supporters of Kassidi. 

Roy had pleaded not guilty to sexually assaulting 20-year-old Kassidi Coyle of Barrie in her sleep on July 1, 2016.

Kassidi took her own life four months after the attack. 

In handing down the guilty verdict, Justice Robert Gattrell said the 'live issue' before the court was whether Roy had criminal intent to commit sexual assault.

He noted Kassidi did not know Roy so she had 'no motive to get him into trouble.'

In summation, the judge found that Roy did intend to remove Kassidi's underwear and pyjama shorts as she slept and therefore had the intention to commit sexual assault.

"I reject Mr. Roy's evidence as to what happened," said Justice Gattrell. "I find you guilty."

The 40-year-old Quebec man, a married father of a toddler, testified in his own defence at the judge-alone hearing. 

Roy told the trial that he was 'hammered' that night and said his genitals must have accidentally come in contact with Coyle after he claimed he mistakenly climbed into the bed where Kassidi lay sleeping. 

In a rare move, the judge ruled that the trial would proceed without the complainant being present to testify or undergo cross examination.  Instead, the judge ruled that Kassidi's statements to friends, a 911 call and her video statement to police would be accepted as evidence.

The sexual assault happened while Kassidi was sleeping over at a friend's house.

Roy was visiting the homeowner who was an old friend from when Roy lived in Barrie before getting married and moving to Quebec.

Kassidi's mother Judi fought in court to have her daughter's name made public.  

Sentencing was set for April 24.

 


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Sue Sgambati

About the Author: Sue Sgambati

Sue has had a 30-year career in journalism working for print, radio and TV. She is a proud member of the Barrie community.
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