Defence Argues Jacob Hoggard Treated Women Disrespectfully But Is Not Serial Rapist

etcanada.com:

Defence lawyers are telling a Toronto jury that Jacob Hoggard may have been cavalier and disrespectful towards women, but he is not a “sadistic serial rapist.” In her closing arguments this morning, defence lawyer Megan Savard painted her client as an insecure, attention-starved rock star who routinely succumbed to the temptation and easy validation of one-night stands while touring with the band Hedley, even when in a relationship.

Savard argued the two women accusing Hoggard of sexual assault may have felt “short-changed and deceived” by him, but that is not a crime.

Hoggard, 37, has pleaded not guilty to two counts of sexual assault causing bodily harm and one of sexual interference, a charge that refers to the sexual touching of someone under 16. Read more: Prosecutors allege Hedley frontman lied about having consensual sex with teen, woman The Crown alleges Hoggard violently and repeatedly raped a 16-year-old fan and a young woman in separate incidents in the fall of 2016.

Both testified they cried and said no throughout the encounters. It’s also alleged Hoggard groped the younger complainant backstage after a Hedley concert in Toronto in April 2016, when she was still 15.