Jian Ghomeshi pleads not guilty

by Richard Howard

Former CBC host Jian Ghomeshi has repeatedly proclaimed his innocence since being accused of sexual abuse by multiple women almost a year ago. Today (October 1), Ghomeshi maintained his stance within a legal setting, pleading not guilty to four counts of sexual assault and one count of overcoming resistance by choking.

Ghomeshi originally faced eight charges; however, two of them were dropped earlier this year due to a judge’s ruling that there wasn’t reasonable prospect of a conviction. At the time, Crown Prosecutor Mike Callaghan sought to clarify that the decision had no bearing on the remaining charges: “We wish to be abundantly clear this determination is not a reflection of the truthfulness or credibility of any witnesses, but rather a determination that specific allegations would not meet the legal burden of proof.”

Today, the 48-year-old defendant elected not to speak to reporters, with his sole words being “not guilty” when asked to enter a plea. The trial will begin on February first and will be a judge-only hearing as opposed to one featuring a jury. Ghomeshi’s legal troubles will not end at the conclusion of those proceedings; another trial for the remaining charge of sexual assault is scheduled for June 6.

Following public allegations of sexual abuse made against Ghomeshi by a former lover, the CBC dismissed the host on October 26th of last year. More women soon came forward with similar accusations, and a month later he was officially charged. Ghomeshi has claimed that the incidents in question taking place between 2002 and 2008 were all comprised of consensual, albeit rough, sexual encounters. He remains on $100,000 bail and is required to reside with his mother.