Celebrity city chef charged with sexual assault
Well-known local chef Michael Noble, 56, has been charged with sexual assault.
A 21-year-old woman alleged that while she was at a social gathering at Sub Rosa early Jan. 30, she was followed into the washroom by her employer, police said Thursday.
“The man allegedly cornered the victim in a stall and sexually assaulted her,” said Staff Sgt. Tom Hanson.
“The victim pushed the accused away and left the bathroom.”
Noble, whose lawyer said denies the accusation, is the owner of restaurants including The Nash and Notable. He does not own Sub Rosa.
Hanson said the victim approached police soon after the incident.
“There was a lot of follow up with other witnesses and extensive interviewing with the victim,” said Hanson, who was quick to note that Noble’s celebrity in Calgary had nothing to do with the time it took to lay the charge.
“That resulted in a significant amount of time passing before the charges were laid. We have to have confidence that the incident took place and that there is evidence to support the allegation. Once those facts and issues are answered, then the determination is made about what appropriate charge can be laid at the time.”
Hanson said that given the relationship between the victim and her employer, Noble, the charges are worrisome.
“It’s concerning at anytime when situations like these take place, but it’s more disconcerting when it’s involving a person in authority or somebody who takes advantage of somebody in a vulnerable position,” said Hanson.
There was no indication how long the victim was employed by Noble.
Balfour Der, Noble’s lawyer, said Thursday afternoon that he and his client plan to fight the charge.
“We will defend this charge vigorously because the man absolutely denies this allegation. He will defend his innocence the whole way through, you can bet on that,” said Der.
“There is no sexual assault here. There was no crime here. He is an upstanding member of the community — he has a squeaky clean record.”
Der said Noble has taken a “short step back” from his restaurants to deal with the charge, but the businesses will operate as usual.
The pair were made aware in the past day or two that the charge would be coming.
Hanson said he doesn’t believe there to be evidence of similar instances, but wouldn’t close the door on it.
“We are certainly open to the possibility of it. Anytime somebody in authority is accused of taking advantage of a situation of assaulting somebody in some way, we always are concerned there might be other victims from other incidents,” said Hanson.
“We would encourage anybody who is a victim of a sexual assault, not only in this scenario but certainly in other matters that they are bothered by, to come forward and report them to police so we can help them through it and investigate them.”
Der said he has no concern of further complaints.
“I’m sure this will remain as a single allegation,” he said.
Der said Noble’s first court appearance is set for May 30.