DIDSBURY – The verdict in a criminal case involving the alleged sexual assault of a student at a Carstairs school in 2017 has been adjourned because of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Henry Paulgaard faces charges of sexual conduct with a minor and sexual assault.
The alleged offences occurred at Hugh Sutherland School in November or December 2017. Paulgaard was charged in March 2019 and his one-day trial was held in Didsbury provincial court in November.
• RELATED: Spring verdict in alleged Carstairs school sexual assault
The complainant, who cannot be identified, was 15 years old at the time of the alleged offences.
She testified that she was working on an assignment in class when the accused approached her from behind and wrapped his arms around her.
“I felt his erection against my mid-buttocks area,” she said.
The accused testified that he did not assault the girl.
“I deny having an erection anywhere around (the girl). I deny having any contact with her,” he said.
A decision in the case was scheduled to take part on March 30, but has been adjourned until June 8, according to Alberta Justice.
