Newfoundland police officer acquitted in contentious sexual assault case
ST. JOHN’S, N.L. — A jury has acquitted a Newfoundland police officer of sexually assaulting an intoxicated woman he drove home from a bar while on duty.
Const. Carl Douglas Snelgrove of the Royal Newfoundland Constabulary broke down in tears after being found not guilty of the allegation early Friday evening. Snelgrove, who goes by Doug, hugged his lawyer, and then family members, sobbing audibly.
The 11 member jury had started deliberations just after noon on Thursday in a case that turned on the issue of consent.
“It’s been a very difficult time for Doug and his wife and his family, and they’re just very relieved that it’s over. I think it was a lawful and proper verdict and now he has the opportunity to move on with his life,” defence lawyer Randy Piercey told reporters afterward.