Man found not guilty of Ekati mine sexual assault

A Yellowknife jury has found a man accused of sexually assaulting a co-worker at the Ekati diamond mine not guilty.

The jury delivered the verdict late Wednesday afternoon after four hours of deliberation.

Nelson Washie was charged with sexual assault. The complainant testified Tuesday that she was sexually assaulted in her dorm room by Washie two and a half years ago. 

She testified that on Aug. 26, 2013, Washie called and asked to come to her room and chat but she said no. She said he showed up anyway about 15 minutes later, walked into her room and raped her.

During cross-examination, defence lawyer Peter Harte pointed out several discrepancies between the statement she gave to the mine's human resources department and the one she gave police.

The defence called no witnesses.