Photo radar official accused of sexual assault denied bail

A photo radar supervisor accused of kidnapping and sexual assault was denied bail Friday by an Edmonton judge.

Paul David Derksen, 50, was arrested Sunday after police called for the public’s input about a June 7 attack on a female motorist.

Provincial court Judge Lloyd Malin heard arguments by defence lawyer James Raworth and Crown prosecutor Bonnie Parker. Submissions and evidence presented during the hearing are under a court-ordered publication ban.

Police said the woman, 25, was driving on Anthony Henday Drive near 127 Street when she was pulled over by a vehicle with flashing lights.

Investigators believe a man wearing a uniform approached the woman and told her to get in his vehicle. Police allege the man threatened her, and told her he wouldn’t criminally charge her if she performed sexual acts on him.

The woman was driven to an area near Borden Park, assaulted, and then driven home, police said.

The woman was able to take a photograph of her attacker, which assisted the investigation.

Initially, police believed they were searching for a suspect impersonating a peace officer, but ultimately arrested Derksen, who is a sworn peace officer with the Canadian Corps of Commissionaires.

Derksen was working on contract as a supervisor in the automated traffic enforcement program, working with the City of Edmonton’s traffic safety section for more than three years as a supervisor monitoring photo-radar operators in the field.

The case is back in court July 7.