With two trials already set, Stephenville High student pleads not guilty to sexual assault in third case

A teenager is in court this week for the first of three trials on sexual assault allegations that shook a Newfoundland high school and spurred the province to update safety policies.

Students at Stephenville High School in southwestern Newfoundland protested in February after a student accused of attacking at least three girls in separate incidents off site was allowed back in the building.

• Listen to the kids: Youth advocate calls for changes to deal with Stephenville sex assault claims
• Student assault allegations prompt changes to Schools Act

The young man's identity is protected under the Youth Criminal Justice Act.

He pleaded not guilty today to all charges while in court, where he fidgeted and took notes on a pad.

Records released by Judge Lynn Cole after The Canadian Press applied to provincial court say those charges include sexual assault, forcible confinement, and using "a stupefying or overpowering drug" to help commit sexual assault.

The documents say the alleged attack happened last October at or near the town of Stephenville, a seaside community of about 8,000 people.

The alleged victim appeared in court via teleconference from a different part of the building, keeping her arms wrapped around herself while talking.

She told the court that she and the accused were drinking when they went for a drive in fall of 2017. She said he offered her a pill that would help her relax and they kissed for a while, until she felt nauseous. She said they were in the back seat of the car when he pulled her on top of him and they had sex without her consent.

She reported blacking out during the alleged assault, saying she passed out on the accused several times, and said she doesn't fully recall the entire incident. She told the court she woke up naked in the car's back seat while they were driving home, and that the accused helped her get dressed before she went inside her home.

Several weeks later, police questioned her about the accused and another female. She said she initially denied everything before telling police about the alleged assault.

Two more trials upcoming

A separate trial set for June 26 to 29 involves three counts including sexual assault, assault and an alleged attempt to choke his accuser with his hands in December in or near Stephenville.

In a third matter that is scheduled for trial Aug. 2 in Stephenville, he pleaded not guilty to two counts of sexual assault, and two counts of sexual interference involving someone under the age of 16. The incidents allegedly happened between Sept. 22 and Oct. 9. 

Neither the Crown prosecutor nor the youth's defence lawyer would comment when contacted by The Canadian Press.

Changes to the Schools Act

The Newfoundland and Labrador English School District confirmed in February that the accused faced sexual assault allegations involving one female student "and possibly others."

But it cited limited circumstances under provincial law that allow a student to be removed from school.

"A criminal charge, however serious, does not authorize removal," it said at the time.

The provincial government announced last month changes to its Schools Act "aimed at ensuring a safe learning environment."

Proposed updates to the legislation will empower education officials to refuse school attendance by a student that could be "detrimental to the physical or mental well-being of students or staff," said a news release. In such cases, alternative instruction such as online courses can be offered.

Janice Kennedy, executive director of the local Bay St. George Status of Women Council, said it's a step in the right direction.

"What really needs to come next is comprehensive change to the education curriculum so that we talk about consent and respect, and creating safe environments for women and girls in our province — and that needs to start at the age of five," she said in an interview.

"I think it's important for people to realize that sexual assault happens to one in four women and girls in this province. It's a huge issue that we need to address."

Read more articles from CBC Newfoundland and Labrador