Sex-assault defendant takes the stand
Jonathan Dort, 43, of Geary, says he was surprised to learn girl with whom he had sexual encounter in January 2021 was only 15, but he admits he knew she was in high school
Warning: This article includes graphic descriptions of an alleged sexual assault.
A Geary man said when he had a sexual encounter with a girl in his truck on a rural roadside more than three years ago, he thought she was at least 16, and he denied they had intercourse.
The trial of Jonathan Dort, 43, of Maxwell Road in Geary, resumed in Fredericton provincial court Tuesday on January 2021 charges of sexual assault and sexual interference.
The court previously heard from the complainant - whose identity is protected by a court-ordered publication ban - who testified Dort gave her a ride home from her sister’s boyfriend’s house Jan. 7, 2021. She was 15 years old at the time.
She said Dort stopped the vehicle in a secluded spot and forced himself on her, touching her then climbing on top of her. That’s when he moved her shorts to the side and penetrated her vaginally, she said.
The complainant testified she didn’t consent to the incident, and was terrified Dort would hurt her, but that he drove her home afterward.
Dort was on the witness stand Tuesday, testifying in his own defence.