19-year-old VIU student, identified as Spencer Frey, suffered injuries following a house party in Nanaimo on March 27. (submitted photo)

By NanaimoNewsNOW Staff

CHARGE LAID

Assault charge laid after VIU student beaten at Nanaimo house party

May 30, 2022 | 11:19 AM

NANAIMO —A 19-year-old man is facing assault charges after a VIU student was allegedly beaten because of his sexuality.

Ryan John Seaman was charged with one count of assault in relation to the attack on an interior design student identified as Spencer Frey.

The alleged incident occurred at an off-campus house party on Old Slope Pl. off Mostar Rd. on March 27, and Frey was left with facial injuries.

A suspect was arrested a few days after the house party but was released from custody pending charges being laid.

Seaman appeared in court May 24 to begin answering to the charge. His next court appearance is on June 14 in Nanaimo.

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Social media posts from Frey’s family suggested he was sitting in a chair and “minding his own business when the attack happened.”

Police said at the time the victim may have been targeted because of their sexual orientation.

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