RNC officer accused of sexual assault heading to trial

A 10-year veteran of the Royal Newfoundland Constabulary will be heading to trial on allegations he sexually assaulted a woman while he was on duty a year and a half ago.

• Woman didn't know RNC officer accused of sexually assaulting her, lawyer says
• RNC officer accused of sexual assault to go before judge and jury

Const. Douglas Snelgrove, 38, is facing a single charge of sexual assault in relation to an incident involving a 22-year-old woman on Dec. 21, 2014.

Judge James Walsh determined following a preliminary inquiry that there is sufficient evidence to go to trial.

Snelgrove, who has been suspended without pay, had previously chosen to be tried by judge and jury. 

The Ontario Provincial Police were called in by the RNC after the force received a complaint on April 14.

The RNC has said any "internal disciplinary matters will be dealt with at the conclusion of the matter in court."

While details of the alleged assault were not made public, the woman's lawyer, Lynn Moore, said the alleged assault was extremely invasive and would classify as a major sexual assault.

Moore said her client did not know Snelgrove at the time.