Nowshad Ali has been found not guilty of sexual assault and sexual touching.
The prominent Saskatoon businessman was charged after a 21-year-old woman made the accusations. She alleged two separate incidents occurred a decade ago, when she was 10.
The woman testified during the trial behind a screen, clutching a stuffed animal. She said she was in shock and didn’t know what was happening during the alleged incidents.
Ali denied ever touching her.
Justice Dan Konkin said during the ruling Friday, while he thinks the complainant truly believed her testimony, he doubted parts of it; her testimony didn’t match statements she made to police and during pre-trial, and was inconsistent with her mother’s testimony, he said.
The judge also pointed to video and photographic evidence presented by the defence that showed the complainant and Ali together, appearing happy and relaxed.
“Video evidence and photographic evidence are indisputable,” Ali’s lawyer Ron Piche said. “They say more than any witness could ever say.”
Ali, a prominent member of the Saskatoon community who organizes events like WakeRide, WinterShines and the Fireworks Festival, told media outside court he was relieved, but not surprised, by the ruling.
“This really tore me apart and it became very difficult for me to do a number of things in the community the way that I would ordinarily do them, and so I did have to make significant changes,” he said.
“Even today, with this decision, the emotional impact has been significant and I expect it’ll take some time to get over that.”
He also said it will take time to rebuild his reputation in the community.
The complainant’s name cannot be released to protect her identity, but she and Ali are known to each other.
