Man twice acquitted faces new charges
CALGARY The man whose controversial acquittal led to the removal from the bench of “knees together” Judge Robin Camp is facing new charges.
Alexander Scott Wagar appeared briefly in Calgary provincial court on Tuesday via closed-circuit TV from the Calgary Remand Centre. Wagar, 29, faces seven charges, including assault and choking with intent to commit an indictable offence, in connection with an incident in May involving another male.
Duty counsel Mark Cluett appeared in court on Wagar’s behalf and asked the case be put over to next week so the accused can see if Legal Aid will fund a lawyer for him. Cluett said until then, Wagar will have to remain behind bars.
“Crown and I were unable to reach any resolution agreement (as far as release conditions),” he told Judge Catherine Skene, of brief discussions with prosecutor Achilles Grobler.
“I understand the Crown is opposed to his release.”
Wagar’s assault and choking charges stem from a May 8 incident at a city residence. He was also arrested a week later on allegations of break and enter at a city business and possession of stolen property.
Wagar was arrested recently after he allegedly failed to appear in court in June and July, and failed to show up to be fingerprinted on June 5.
The Alberta Court of Appeal ordered Wagar to stand trial for sexual assault a second time after reviewing Camp’s controversial decision to acquit him in 2014.
During the trial, Camp asked the woman “why wouldn’t you just keep your knees together?” while also wondering aloud why she didn’t lower her bottom into the bathroom sink to avoid intercourse.
Despite the controversy, a second judge came to the same conclusion as Camp earlier this year and found Wagar not guilty a second time. Judge Jerry LeGrandeur said inconsistencies in the woman’s story were too much to deliver a guilty verdict.
After the Court of Appeal decision, Camp appeared before a Canadian Judicial Council panel after a complaint against him was lodged. The panel recommended he be removed from the bench.
Before that decision was made, Camp — who had been elevated to the Federal Court after the Wagar ruling — resigned.
In March, Camp, through his lawyer, issued a statement apologizing for his behaviour.
“I would like to express my sincere apology to everyone who was hurt by my comments,” Camp said in the statement.