Retired vice-admiral Haydn Edmundson found not guilty of sexual assault

This story contains details of an alleged sexual assault

Retired vice-admiral Haydn Edmundson, accused of sexually assaulting a woman more than 30 years ago, was found not guilty in an Ottawa courtroom on Monday. He was also found not guilty of one count of committing indecent acts.

Judge Matthew C. Webber rendered the decision in the Ontario Court of Justice because the case was tried by a judge alone.

Edmundson, who was charged in December 2021, said he cried after hearing the not guilty verdicts, and that it's a "massive emotional outpouring" because the charges were hanging over the heads of him and his family members for three years. 

"And now that has been lifted somewhat. But the pain is still there and the emotions are still there," he told the media outside the courthouse following the verdict, adding he wouldn't comment on whether he would be taking legal action.

His lawyer, Brian Greenspan, called the verdict a  "clear decisive vindication," pointing to Webber's raising of credibility issues with the complainant's testimony.

Greenspan told the media outside the courthouse it was regrettable that the military didn't reciprocate the loyalty Edmundson had shown with nearly 40 years of distinguished service. Greenspan chastised both senior military officials and the media for rushing to judgment.

Over the eight-day trial, which began on Feb. 5, court heard allegations from Stéphanie Viau, who claimed that Edmundson sexually assaulted her while they were on deployment on a naval ship.

Viau, who was in the courtroom for the verdict, said it was hard to hear Webber's decision but that she didn't regret bringing the complaint forward. 

"I told the truth and I stand strong knowing that all of this was not done in vain," she told the media outside the courthouse. 

Viau had previously told court the attack happened inside Edmundson's cabin while the ship was docked at a U.S. navy base on Nov. 8, 1991. At the time of the alleged assault, Edmundson was a lieutenant-commander, the navigator of the ship.

Viau's identity had been protected under a publication ban, but that was lifted by Webber during closing arguments as requested by Viau.

Viau testified in court that Edmundson had called her into his quarters. While there, she said that she froze and feared for her life as Edmundson approached her, kissed her, unbuttoned her shirt and bra, pulled down her shorts and underwear and kissed her vagina.

Viau said Edmundson then grabbed her by the hips, turned her around and "proceeded raping me."