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Tuesday May 12 2015 13 JUSTICE SEXUAL ASSAULT www.rmwb.ca CONGRATULATIONS KEYANO COLLEGE GRADUATES On behalf of Regional Council and the residents of Wood Buffalo I would like to congratulate the 2015 graduating class at Fort Chipewyans Keyano College campus. Now more than ever education holds the key to unlocking your potential and by successfully graduating from Keyano College you are closer than ever to achieving your dreams. I wish each of you continued success as you embark on the next chapter of your life and the very best in your future endeavours. Mayor Melissa Blake By DALI CARMICHAEL A pilot charged with sexual assault will have to await the territorial courts decision next month after his trial was left unresolved last week. The accused Alejandro Cabeza Cepero of Fort Smith faces one count of sexual as- sault in connection with an incident that took place last August. He has pleaded not guilty to the charge. The incident occurred after a night of drinking both at a local bar and at several residences. At the end of the evening Cepero walked the complainant home. At his request the complainant allowed him to sleep over with the option of staying in a spare bedroom or on the couch as Ceperos residence was lo- cated in a different part of the community relatively far away. Some time after that Cepero allegedly en- tered the complainants room at which point the alleged assault took place. Fearing for her safety the complainant con- tactedafriendwiththeintentofreceivinghelp noting that she felt unsafe. The friend arrived shortly after Cepero had left the residence. The complainant was known to Cepero previous to the incident in question. The Crown is arguing the defendant should be found guilty based on the corroboration of facts testified to by various witnesses as well as the candid testimony of the complainant. Cepero who had also been drinking stated he did not believe his memory had been af- fected by alcohol though his memory had some lapses. The Crown called his testimony careful and calculated. The defence is arguing honest mistaken belief in consent noting that alcohol and earlier interactions throughout the evening led their client to believe the situation was consensual claiming the intent for the crime was not proven. Defence also stated the com- plainants testimony was not corroborated as multiple witnesses testified to having gaps in their memories. The complainant also admitted to having memorylapsesasaresultofimbibingthenight of the event but in her testimony denied giv- ing consent. She testified to repeatedly telling Cepero no during the alleged incident. Cepero is an employee at the Fort Smith- basedairlineNorthwesternAirLease.Hehas remained employed with the company while awaiting trial. He does not have a previous criminal record. Neither Cepero nor his counsel offered com- ment on the case. Adecisiononthecasewasdeferredafterpre- sidingJusticeGarthE.Malakoerequestedmore timetoconsiderthepresentedevidence.Adeci- sion date will be set on May 12 in Yellowknife. Fort Smith pilot faces charges of sexual assault PhotocourtesyofFacebook Northwestern Air Lease pilot Alejandro Cabeza Cepero of Fort Smith is facing charges of sexual assault.