Court to hear testimony from friend of alleged victim in Ghomeshi sex assault trial

Toronto, A Toronto courtroom will hear testimony from the Crown’s fourth and final witness Wednesday morning in the sexual assault trial of former radio star Jian Ghomeshi.
Ghomeshi, who has pleaded not guilty to four counts of sexual assault and one count of overcome resistance choking, is not expected to take the stand as the defence has said they expect to submit their closing submissions by Thursday.
Wednesday’s witness is not a complainant but rather a friend of complainant Lucy DeCoutere, a Canadian actress known for her role in “Trailer Park Boys.”

DeCoutere has chosen not to have her identity protected by a publication ban but her friend’s identity will remain concealed under the ban.
The friend will not appear in person, but rather a transcript of statements she has made to police and written exchanges she has had with DeCoutere will be presented to the judge.
The defence had originally fought against having the witness testify, saying their position is that DeCoutere fabricated the allegations.
“The defence does not know when she started making fabrications against Mr. Ghomeshi and frankly we don’t care. But she has…beyond a reasonable doubt,” she said.
The Crown argued that the witness will help prove DeCoutere’s credibility and that in fact, she did not come forward with the allegations solely for fame or to help a civil suit.
DeCoutere is one of three women who have testified that Ghomeshi became violent on dates.
All three women have said that the violence was unwanted and that there was no discussion of consent. The allegations from all three women date back to 2002 and 2003.
His lawyers have grilled the three women who have taken the stand over the last week, presenting emails and correspondence the women sent to Ghomeshi after the alleged assault where they continued to seek his company.