The Crown will not appeal Jacob Hoggard’s acquittals on charges he groped and violently raped a teenage fan at an airport hotel in 2016.
On June 5, the former Hedley frontman was found guilty of raping an Ottawa college student in 2016, but not guilty of sexual interference and sexual assault causing bodily harm in regard to an underage fan the same year.
“After a thorough review and careful consideration, the Crown has decided not to appeal the acquittals,” wrote Brian Gray, spokesperson for the Ministry of the Attorney General, in an email.
“As related matters remain before the court it would not be appropriate to comment further.”
Hoggard’s lawyer has indicated they will appeal the pop star’s conviction for sexual assault causing bodily harm. “This case is far from over,” wrote Megan Savard in a statement after the verdict. “It raises novel issues that will benefit from the Court of Appeal’s attention.”
Hoggard currently remains free on stricter bail conditions as he awaits sentencing in October.
It was revealed after the trial that Hoggard faces a third charge of sexual assault causing bodily harm involving a fan in Kirkland Lake in 2016. “He has denied this allegation and will plead not guilty,” his lawyer has said.
His next appearance on the new charge is scheduled for Aug. 4.
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