Sex assault victim says her voice was silenced for years after sexual assault

By The Canadian Press

EDMONTON — A third woman who was sexually assaulted by a former Edmonton nightclub employee says she stayed silent for four years before reporting the attack.

She says she decided to go to police when she realized there were other victims.

The woman, whose name is protected by a publication ban, spoke in court today on the second day of Matthew McKnight’s sentencing hearing.

McKnight, who is 33, was accused of sexually assaulting 13 women ranging in age from 17 to 22 between 2010 and 2016.

He pleaded not guilty, but a jury convicted him on five of the 13 counts.

Court has heard he met most of the women in bars and assaulted them at his apartment.

Two of his other victims told his sentencing hearing Wednesday that they have had nightmares, thoughts of suicide and anxiety since they were attacked.

The Crown has recommended a total sentence of 22 1/2 years.

Defence lawyer Dino Bottos is to give his sentencing submissions later today.

One more woman is to give her victim impact statement at the hearing, which is to run until Friday.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published July 9, 2020

The Canadian Press

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