The Canadian musician had been discovered responsible in June after a four-week trial, and is anticipated to enchantment.
Canadian singer Jacob Hoggard, former frontman for multi-platinum pop-rock band Hedley, was sentenced this morning (Oct. 20) to 5 years in jail for the sexual assault of an Ottawa lady.
The 38-year-old was given the sentence by Ontario Superior Courtroom Justice Gillian Roberts.
The listening to started on Oct. 6 in particular person, then continued Oct. 14 on Zoom, at which Hoggard declined his proper to talk. He was in courtroom for the sentencing, after which he embraced his spouse and was then led out.
In June, after a four-week trial, a jury discovered Hoggard responsible of sexual assault inflicting bodily hurt of a lady identified solely as “JB.” Hoggard may have acquired as a lot as 14 years in jail. The Crown sought a sentence of between six to seven years in jail; the protection requested for 3 to 4 years.
For about an hour, Justice Roberts learn out parts of her sentencing conclusion, earlier than handing down the sentence.
“In the end, the full sentence have to be proportionate to the gravity of the offending conduct and the circumstances of the offender, together with his diploma of duty,” she famous. “It have to be enough to replicate the inherent harmfulness of a manipulative and notably degrading rape.”
She then requested Hoggard to face. “In all of the circumstances of this offense, and this offender, I imagine a match and applicable sentence is 5 years.”
Hoggard’s authorized staff had already filed a discover of enchantment. The sufferer has additionally filed a lawsuit for $2.8 million Canadian (USD $2M).
Within the trial, Hoggard was discovered responsible of 1 depend of sexual assault inflicting bodily hurt, however not responsible of two expenses in opposition to one other lady, one the identical cost and the opposite of sexual interference (referring to an individual below the age of 16).
The case, involving two ladies (one a minor on the time) was heard in a Toronto courtroom. The separate assaults allegedly occurred in 2016 in Hoggard’s resort room. One lady is from Ottawa, the opposite from the Higher Toronto Space.
Hoggard, who took the stand in his personal protection, pled not responsible to all expenses.
The decision got here six days after the revelation that a new cost had been saved out of the media since March to keep away from tainting the present jury. Hoggard will face a brand new trial on one cost of sexual assault inflicting bodily hurt. The rape is alleged to have occurred in Kirkland Lake, Ontario, in 2016 when the band was on tour.
Allegations in opposition to Hoggard started to floor on social media in early 2018. The singer had risen to fame in 2004 on the long-canceled tv present Canadian Idol, ending within the prime three earlier than signing with Common Music Canada for his band Hedley. Capitol signed them within the U.S. in 2006 however later dropped them. In Canada, the band’s success included chart-topping singles, platinum certifications and headlining excursions. Hoggard hosted the Juno Awards in 2015. The band’s seventh and last album, Cageless, was launched in 2017.
After a number of ladies and women informed their tales on-line, Hoggard issued a press release in February 2018, which learn partly, “I must be utterly clear: I've by no means engaged in non-consensual sexual behaviour in my life. Ever. Nonetheless, over the past 13 years, I've behaved in a approach that objectified ladies.” He added, “It’s time for me to alter. I’ve determined to step away from my profession indefinitely.”
Hedley’s company, administration and file label dropped the band and radio pulled their music from their playlists.
Hoggard was charged in July of 2018. He married his second spouse later that yr on Dec. 31.
The trial was initially scheduled to start in November of 2018, however was pushed again a number of instances as a result of COVID-19 pandemic. It lastly started in Might.
Tales about sexual assault allegations could be traumatizing for survivors of sexual assault. If you happen to or anybody you understand wants help, you'll be able to attain out to the Rape, Abuse & Incest Nationwide Community (RAINN). The group offers free, confidential help to sexual assault victims. Name RAINN’s Nationwide Sexual Assault Hotline (800.656.HOPE) or go to the anti-sexual violence group’s web site for extra data.
This story first appeared on Billboard.com.