Accused granted bail in sexual-assault case

Bail was granted Monday to a city man accused of sexually assaulting a woman in an attack allegedly foiled by a bus driver.

Citing potential problems in the Crown’s case, provincial court Judge Bob Wilkins agreed with defence lawyer Ben Leung that Chase Daniel Adam Collier should be freed pending trial.

Crown prosecutor Camel ia Wong had sought Collier’s detention suggesting the accused is a predator.

“The protection of the public requires him to be detained before the trial,” Wong said.

“His detention is necessary to maintain public confidence (in the justice system).”

But Leung said questions about the voluntariness of a statement the accused gave to police and the alleged victim’s failure to identify him suggest there may be weaknesses in the prosecution’s case.

“In a photo lineup the complainant actually identified a completely different person,” he said.

He said the issue whether Collier’s police statement is admissible in law is “best left up to the trial judge.”

Leung also said Collier has a twin brother, although they’re not identical.

“Mr. Collier has a twin, fraternal brother who also has a criminal record,” he said.

Collier turned himself in March 25 when he found out police were looking for him. He was wanted in connection with a March 22 incident near the intersection of Sandstone Drive and Berkshire Boulevard N.W. about 10:45 p.m.

Police said a woman was approached by a man after she got off a bus. When she attempted to leave, the man assaulted her.

The assault was in progress when another bus approached, causing the assailant to flee.

The bus driver, Amandeep Hunjan, called 911 and waited with the victim, who was taken to hospital in stable condition.

Collier faces a single charge of aggravated sexual assault.

Among his release conditions are that he live under house arrest.