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January 08, 2015 - 5:08 PM
KAMLOOPS - The trial of a longtime youth and justice worker accused of sexually assaulting a resident in a community he once helped has heard a recording of a phone call as the alleged victim pleaded for help.
Michael Hume is charged with sexual assault, forcible confinement and uttering threats stemming from an incident the Crown alleges occurred on Aug. 8, 2013, at his home in the Fraser Canyon community of Lytton, B.C.
The complainant cannot be named due to a court order protecting his identity.
Lytton First Nation Chief Janet Webster testified that Hume arrived in town more than 10 years ago and initially worked as a recreation and youth worker.
He was later employed as a court worker in a restorative-justice program that brings victims and those convicted of crimes together in a healing circle or by other means.
Crown lawyer Chris Balison told B.C. Supreme Court that the young man who went to police after the alleged incident "didn't have the easiest life."
"He was a drinker," Balison said. "He struggled with anxiety."
The man testified he was drinking at a friend's house on Aug. 8, 2013, when he decided to walk home.
He changed his mind on the way, stopping at a hospital to use the phone.
Balison said Hume came along and the two smoked and chatted outside the hospital. He said Hume offered a ride to his own house, but the young man declined several times before eventually accepting.
Once at Hume's house, the alleged victim went into the bathroom where he was sick, Balison said, adding he emerged 20 minutes later and was offered a drink.
Balison said the young man awoke unclothed after blacking out to find Hume shaving his body, including his genitals.
He said the man looked beside him and saw what he thought was his own body hair shaved off.
"He didn't agree to this," Balison told the jury. "He didn't want this to happen. He was scared."
Jurors heard a recording of a telephone call the complainant made to the band chief from Hume's house, after the Crown alleges the assault occurred.
"I need you to pick up right now, please. Pick up, please," the man was heard pleading.
Balison said the Crown will attempt to prove Hume cleaned up the shaven hair, which was later obtained from his vacuum after RCMP obtained a search warrant.
Webster testified she noticed one of the young man's armpits was shaved, something she had not seen before.
The young man is expected to testify that after the assault, Hume grabbed a bottle of alcohol, wielding it in a threatening way and telling him not to leave.
Balison said Hume later drove the young man home, giving him $50 and telling him not to tell anyone about what happened.
News from © The Canadian Press, 2015