Former Yukon Speaker David Laxton found not guilty of sexual assault

David Laxton, whose tenure as Speaker of the Yukon legislature ended last year with an accusation of sexual harassment, has been found not guilty of sexual assault.

• Former Yukon Speaker pleads not guilty to sexual assault

• Yukon Speaker resigned because of sexual harassment allegation

Judge John Faulkner delivered the verdict Monday in Yukon Territorial Court.

"There remains doubt that what Mr. Laxtondid amounted to a sexual assault," Faulkner's verdict reads.

"This being a criminal prosecution where the standard of proof is beyond a reasonable doubt, Mr. Laxtonis entitled to the benefit of that doubt."

Laxton has admitted to kissing and hugging the complainant, when she came to meet him at the Speaker's office in February 2016.

He argued at his trial in August that he is by nature a physically demonstrative man, and was simply being friendly with a woman who was a long-timeacquaintance. He also testified that he had been similarly physical with her in the past, and always in a friendly, non-sexual way.

The complainant disagreed, and told court there had never been such contact between them, and that she had given no indication of consent before Laxton'shug and kiss at the legislative building.

Faulkner decided, based on the evidence presented at trial,that Laxton's accountwas more believable.

"While I believe substantial portions of the complainant's testimony, I remain cautious about accepting it totally," his decision reads.

"In contrast, I found Laxton'sevidence quite credible. He made no attempt to deny that he had hugged and kissed the complainant. He provided a more detailed and logical account of the meeting between himself and the complainant."

Resigned as Speaker in May 2016

Laxton resigned as Speaker in May 2016, a few months after the disputed interactionwith the woman.The following week he issued a statement on Facebook explaining that he'd left due to an allegation of sexual harassment.

Then in July 2016, the Yukon Human Rights Commission issued a statement saying Laxton and his accuser had reached "a mutually satisfactory agreement,"and considered the matter "closed."

Two months later, Laxton was charged.

The Yukon Party also dumped himas a candidate last year, and Laxtondid not run in the fall election.

After the verdict was deliveredMonday, Laxtonread a brief statement outside the court house in Whitehorse. He thanked his family, friends, acquaintances, lawyers, and the Yukon community at large, "for their support and respect while standing beside me during this very trying time."

"It has been very difficult for my wife Leslie and she has not faltered. Together we have persevered through this ordeal," Laxton said.