Toronto pastor Hawkes found not guilty of indecency: ‘I’m so glad this is over’
KENTVILLE, N.S. — The testimony of a man who claimed Brent Hawkes forced oral sex upon him more than 40 years ago was compelling but inconsistent, a Nova Scotia judge ruled Tuesday as he acquitted the prominent Toronto pastor.
“The complainant gave a very vivid and detailed account of what he alleged the accused did to him in the bedroom of the accused’s mobile home,” said Kentville provincial court Judge Alan Tufts.
“There are significant inconsistencies in the testimonies of the various witnesses. …In the end, it is not clear what happened in the bedroom that evening. It is easy to speculate, but that is something that is not permitted here.”
Hawkes, a high-profile rights activist who officiated at former NDP leader Jack Layton’s state funeral, was facing charges of gross indecency and indecent assault.