Saskatoon nightclub owner ‘in shock’ after being found guilty of sexual assault

SASKATOON A jury has found a Saskatoon nightclub owner guilty of sexual assault after deciding that the sex he had with a male friend after a night of drinking and hot-tubbing was not consensual.

Jurors returned the conviction late Thursday after seven hours of deliberations in the case of Skipp Anderson.

Court heard the assault happened in July 2016 at Anderson’s home.

Crown prosecutor Tamara Rock said during the trial that the 22year-old victim passed out from too much drinking and woke up to discover the accused having sex with him.

Defence lawyer Brad Mitchell argued the two men had consensual sex and that the complainant initiated it.

Anderson is to return to court today as dates are set for sentencing submissions.

In her closing arguments, Rock said the victim, who can’t be identified under a publication ban, drank too much, had to be pulled out of Anderson’s hot tub and passed out in a spare bedroom when Anderson took him inside.

She asked the jury to use “common sense” and argued the victim was “grossly intoxicated” and in no physical shape to initiate or sustain “vigorous sex” with Anderson. She also argued that the accused did not obtain consent.

Mitchell said there was “no doubt” the complainant was incapacitated when he was pulled out of the hot tub, but since he doesn’t remember what happened, only Anderson could give evidence of how intoxicated the complainant was in the bedroom.

“It’s extraordinary relief, extraordinary gratitude for the process to return a result that reflects the reality of his lived experience and to be able to be affirmed,” Rock said outside court of the victim.

She said it takes a “strong and brave person” to follow through with a sexual assault complaint and the victim is happy his voice was heard.

“I’m hopeful his experience will allow other people who experienced sexual violence to come forward.”

Mitchell said Anderson is “clearly very disappointed” with the verdict and “in shock and trying to digest what just happened.”

The lawyers did not reveal what length of sentence they will push for, but Rock noted that sentences for serious sexual assaults begin at three years.

Anderson, who is in his early 40s, is a prominent member of the city’s gay community who has been involved with the Saskatoon Diversity Network.

He remains out of custody during the sentencing process.