Former student says U of A knew of sex assault allegations against drama teacher
CTV
Patrick Howarth, 49, is charged with sexually assaulting and exploiting a 16-year-old girl with whom he worked at the Citadel Theatre in 2006.
A former student of a University of Alberta drama professor accused of sexually assaulting a teen actress says the school was aware of those allegations for more than a decade and did nothing.
Patrick Howarth, 49, is charged with sexually assaulting and exploiting a 16-year-old girl with whom he worked at the Citadel Theatre in 2006.
Andrea Perry was at the university in 2012 where Howarth was her stage fight coach.
She says she was rehearsing for a production on campus in 2009 when she said Howarth, who was in charge of stage combat for the show, became frustrated with her sword technique.
“He came up behind me…and he thrusted his pelvis into my buttocks…to show me…that’s how to lead with my hips,” she said.
“I proceeded to get upset and I began to cry…and he backed off.”
Perry also says Howarth tried to initiate an intimate relationship with her in 2010. She says she’s taken her story to Edmonton police who are investigating.
