"The trial judge's reasoning teeters dangerously close to engaging in the myth- and stereotype-based thinking that continues to linger in the legal landscape like a fungus," wrote appeal Justice Dawn Pentelechuk. 'I almost started to believe it didn't happen to me'The youth, identified in court documents as MM, pleaded guilty to sexual assault. El-Sakaan was convicted of sexual assault with a weapon for using an electric toothbrush on Sara without her knowledge. At the time of the attack and subsequent trial, Sara struggled with anxiety, thoughts of suicide and was in and out of hospital. "Together we will put an end to this and to break the silence and stigma around sexual assault."

Source: CBC News May 17, 2021 10:52 UTC