Haileybury, Ont. –
WARNING – The following details of the sexual assault case may be disturbing, discretion is advised.
The complainant in Jacob Hoggard‘s sexual assault trial alleges that the musician raped, choked and urinated on her after she attended his band’s concert in June 2016.
The woman, visibly upset throughout her testimony in a northeastern Ontario court this morning, says she was terrified by Hoggard, repeatedly tried to get away from him and told him to stop.
(Left to right) Justice Robin Tremblay, Assistant Crown Attorney Peter Keen, Crown Attorney Lilly Gates, Hoggard’s lawyers Kally Ho, Megan Savard and accused former Hedley frontman Jacob Hoggard are shown in a courtroom sketch in Haileybury, Ont.. Sept. 23, 2024. (THE CANADIAN PRESS/Alexandra Newbould)
She says Hoggard called her a “dirty little piggy” and imitated pig sounds during the alleged rape, telling the jury that the memory of his “bright eyes” that night still haunts her.
Hoggard, the lead singer of the band Hedley, has pleaded not guilty to a charge of sexual assault in the case.
His defence lawyers and the Crown agree that a sexual encounter took place in Kirkland Lake, Ont., at his hotel after band members and fans attended a post-concert bonfire — prosecutors are seeking to prove what happened was not consensual.
The complainant, whose name is protected by a publication ban, has not yet been cross-examined by the defence.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published Sept. 25, 2024.
Resources for sexual assault survivors in Canada
If you or someone you know is struggling with sexual assault or trauma, the following resources are available to support people in crisis:
A full list of sexual assault centres in Canada that offer information, advocacy and counselling can be found at ReeseCommunity.com. Resources in your community can be found by entering your postal code.
- If you are in immediate danger or fear for your safety, you should call 911.
- Helplines, legal services and locations that offer sexual assault kits in Alberta, B.C., Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Quebec, Ontario and Nova Scotia can be found .
- National Residential School Crisis Line: 1-866-925-4419
- 24-hour crisis line: 1-416-597-8808
- Canadian Human Trafficking Hotline: 1-833-900-1010
- Trans Lifeline: 1-877-330-6366
- Sexual misconduct support for current or former members of the Armed Forces: 1-844-750-1648
Read about your rights as a victim here.