Sexual assault trial begins for Haydn Edmundson, ex-military HR head

The sexual assault trial of former military human resources head, Haydn Edmundson is being held in civilian court. It's alleged he exposed himself to a steward numerous times.

Vice-Adm. Haydn Edmundson, the military’s former head of human resources, is on trial for sexual assault in Ottawa this week.

The retired vice-admiral has pleaded not guilty to one count of indecent acts and one count of sexual assault in an incident that allegedly happened in 1991.

The woman who made the allegation testified Monday morning that she was deployed on a military vessel that year where Edmundson was serving as a navigator and lieutenant commander.

Her identity is protected by a publication ban.

The complainant told court that one of her duties on board the ship was to wake officers, including Edmundson, for night watch.

She said that during one deployment, his behaviour got progressively worse.

At first, it would take longer than usual to wake him. Over time, she said, she began to notice he was sleeping naked and parts of his body were exposed.

She said it felt disrespectful, especially because officers had to fill out a form to request a wake-up call from a steward.