trip to a spa for a hot-stone full-body massage became the centre of a criminal trial that ended Friday with a jury acquitting the man accused of sexually assaulting the female client.
After approximately four hours of deliberations, the jury returned not guilty verdicts on charges of serious indecency and indecent assault by an 8–1 majority.
The case stemmed from an incident on February 27, 2025, when the woman went to the spa and paid for a hot-stone full-body massage.
During the session, she alleged that the accused touched and performed a sexual act on her without her consent, allegations that ultimately led to the two criminal charges.
The trial also heard about an earlier encounter between the complainant and the accused several months before the alleged spa incident.
The woman claimed the accused had used his vehicle to block her in while she was in a parking lot. The accused, however, said he could not recall that encounter.
Following the presentation of evidence and arguments in the case, the matter was placed before the jury for consideration.
Jurors deliberated for about four hours before returning the 8–1 majority verdict, finding the accused not guilty on both counts.
Attorney Wendel Alexander represented the accused, while the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions prosecuted the case on behalf of the Crown.
The verdict brings the prosecution on both charges to an end, with the accused acquitted of serious indecency and indecent assault.
