The Supreme Court has ruled Stephen Hopkins will not get to cross-examine the teenage girl he’s alleged to have sexually assaulted in St. John’s last fall.
The 31-year-old Hopkins is accused of following the 17-year-old to her Cowan Heights home, forcing his way in, and raping her.
He’s told the court he plans to represent himself at his trial, opening the possibility that he could end up grilling the girl on cross-examination. That prompted the Crown to file an application to prevent that from happening.
In Supreme Court yesterday, Hopkins argued against it, saying he could actually reduce the stress and anxiety for the girl by questioning her himself, and that it would help give her closure. Justice Donald Burrage showed remarkable composure at the rationale proffered by Hopkins, which was quickly dismissed by Crown prosecutor Jenn Standen.
Seeing little chance of success, Hopkins, who appeared by videoconference from the Pen, said he wouldn’t push the matter further if his alleged victim was opposed to the idea.
In the end, Burrage granted the Crown’s request to appoint counsel to carry out the cross-examination when the time comes. The judge also gave one final warning to Hopkins, advising him to reconsider representing himself, adding it’s in his and the court’s best interest to get a lawyer before his trial.
Hopkins is formally charged with sexual assault, forcible confinement, and threatening the alleged victim.
The trial is scheduled for January of next year.
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