FORT ST. JOHN -- There has been yet another delay in the sentencing hearing for a Fort St. John veterinarian who pled guilty to sexual assault.
In November 2022, Justin Sewell pled guilty to one count of sexual assault and two counts of voyeurism. According to court documents, he sexually assaulted the victim and secretly observed/ recorded nudity or sexual activity in a private place.
Sewell’s sentencing hearing began in July 2023. Since then it has been mired in delays.
Friday morning the judge in the case looked visibly perplexed when he heard Sewell’s lawyer didn’t show up for court due to illness.
Next Thursday, 2 more days will be scheduled to complete the hearing. The judge is then expected to take time to consider a verdict.
Fort St. John RCMP announced the charges against the local veterinarian, including sexual assault, overcoming resistance to commission of the offence and two counts of voyeurism in 2022.
RCMP says the incident occurred in 2007 in Charlie Lake when Sewell was 31 years old. Police began investigating the case after they were made aware of the allegations in 2019.
The judge imposed two publication bans to prevent the victim and witnesses from being identified.
