Alexander Koustov Secures Dismissal of Sexual Assault Charge in Yellowknife
In a recent case before the Supreme Court of the Northwest Territories in Yellowknife, Hoare Claxton’s Alexander Koustov successfully defended a client against a sexual assault charge, leading to its full dismissal at trial. The judge-only proceeding highlighted issues of consent and evidentiary concerns, underscoring the importance of thorough criminal defence in complex sexual assault cases.
The incident stemmed from a night of heavy drinking on March 26, 2021, involving the complainant, her fiancé, and the accused—a mutual friend. After the fiancé’s arrest for domestic violence, the complainant alleged non-consensual intercourse with the accused. However, Deputy NWT Supreme Court Justice Nancy Backhouse dismissed the charge, citing reasonable doubt due to inconsistencies in the evidence and potential motives influencing the complaint.
As reported by CKLB Radio, Justice Backhouse noted: “While it is a myth that women regularly fabricate allegations of sexual assault, it is not an error to consider whether the circumstances of a particular case supports the existence of a motive to fabricate.” The defence, led by Yellowknife sexual assault defence lawyer Alexander Koustov, argued that the accused’s account of consensual activity aligned with his post-incident behavior and the complainant’s actions, including repeated attempts to condition her police statement on her fiancé’s release from custody.
This outcome emphasizes the critical role of experienced NWT criminal defence attorneys in protecting client rights amid sensitive allegations. A publication ban protects the identities of those involved.
Read the full article on CKLB Radio: Woman attempts to bargain with RCMP for fiancé’s release
If you’re facing sexual assault charges, contact Hoare Claxton for a free consultation at (587) 355-8889 or via our contact form. Our dedicated team is ready to provide the robust defence you need.
Disclaimer: This post is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Consult a qualified lawyer for your specific situation.
