The trial of a former Canadian Forces Snowbirds pilot accused of sexual assault by a colleague in June 2023 continued Monday with defence witness testimony that cast doubt on the complainant’s version of events.
The trial, which got underway last year, has heard from the accused, 49-year-old Maj. Steven Hurlbut, and the complainant, whose identity is protected by a publication ban. Defence witnesses testified what they were told by the complainant following an alleged incident of sexual assault inside a Barrie hotel room June 8, 2023, prior to the Canadian Forces Snowbirds’ performance at the Barrie Air Show.
The complainant told the court last year she was a colleague of the accused, who was a solo pilot with the Snowbirds air demonstration team at the time. She testified Hurlbut invited her to his room, following drinks in the hotel bar, to watch TV. She said she initially turned down his offer but later showed up at his door.
The complainant testified Hurlbut propositioned her several times, saying, “So you wanna?” She told the court Hurlbut tried to have sex with her, kissed her, and grabbed her against her will.
During cross-examination by the Crown, one witness described a series of texts he received from the complainant following the incident. The witness told the court the complainant’s story appeared to have changed from the day she reported the incident to him.
The witness became repeatedly agitated with the Crown’s questions, telling the court he must have sent and received the texts in a conversation with the complainant but could not remember what was said.
He told the court he exchanged crude jokes with the complainant, and characterized the humour as “garbage.”
Hurlbut testified last month to try and clear his name, telling the court he never forced himself on the complainant. He said he was genuinely concerned about her being upset and burnt out at work, and wanted to talk about her issues in the workplace.
Hurlbut adamantly told the court, “I did not want to have sex with her.” He said there was no sexual contact with the complainant.
According to the military, Hurlbut, who flew missions in Syria and Iraq, has been reassigned. The matter is scheduled to return to court in a week to set at least one more date for the continuation of trial.
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