Red Deer sex assault trial hears police interview with accused teen
CBC News | Posted: January 13, 2016 10:05 PM | Last Updated: January 13, 2016
Teen told police he exposed himself to a boy during a camping trip, but didn't force him to touch
A teenager on trial for sexually assaulting other teens while on outings with Scouts Canada and Cadets Canada admitted to police that he had exposed himself to a boy during a camping trip.
But the teen denied brandishing a knife threatening to hurt the alleged victim if he didn't touch the accused's penis, according to a police interview that was played in Red Deer youth court Wednesday.
- MORE ALBERTA NEWS | Minister spells out mandatory LGBTQ policies for Alberta schools
- MORE ALBERTA NEWS | Alberta awash in stolen guns, many in hands of criminals, RCMP warn
The accused — who was 17 at the time of his arrest and cannot be named under law — faces nine counts including sexual assault and sexual assault with a weapon.
Teen cries on tape, says he's scared
Today the accused sat quietly in court, looking down, listening to the recording while dressed in a dark suit.
At one point during the recorded interview, the officer said, "I think there's something here. I think something did happen. I think you did expose yourself."
The officer went on to ask the accused if he understood the gravity of the situation, and what he thought the punishment should be for such serious crimes.
"I don't know," replied the accused.
"Life in prison?" asked the officer.
"No," said the accused.
"Five years? 10 years?" suggested the officer.
That's when the accused started to cry, saying he was scared.
The officer then said, "Why don't we clear the air here and get to the truth about what happened?"
The accused then admitted to some of the allegations including touching some of the girls' bottoms and exposing himself.
The officer said, "They've all felt like they were victims of you. Do you agree?"
"Yes," said the accused.
When asked why he thought that, the accused said the other girls and boys didn't feel comfortable with it.
"Did you know at the time?"
"No," said the accused.
Trial continues this afternoon
The five alleged victims include boys and girls who earlier testified to being assaulted multiple times and being threatened with a knife.
The alleged assaults occurred between 2012 and 2015.
The accused was involved with Scouts Canada between 2007 and 2012, and with Cadets Canada between 2011 and 2015, according to police.
The defence will present its case this afternoon.