Victim reads emotional statement at sexual assault trial of former Komoka, Ont. restaurant owner
CTV
One of three victims took the stand in a London courtroom on Tuesday morning as she read an emotional victim impact statement. Vasilios “Bill” Kourtesis, 65, was charged in July 2020 after sexually assaulting female employees at his Country Hearth Family Restaurant in Komoka.
One of three victims took the stand in a London courtroom on Tuesday morning as she read an emotional victim impact statement.
“I’m constantly getting flashbacks of the assault,” the victim said, and explained how she now suffers from migraines, anxiety attacks and nightmares since the sexual assaults occurred.
Vasilios “Bill” Kourtesis, 65, faced three counts of sexual assault involving three victims dating back to 2004. Kourtesis had pleaded not guilty to all of the counts.
He was originally charged in July 2020 after sexually assaulting female employees at his Country Hearth Family Restaurant in Komoka.
Further proceedings were delayed for three years due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Crown Prosecutor Andrea Mason is seeking a sentence of four years in prison for Kourtesis. She also suggested a DNA order, a Section 109 order for 10 years, a non-communication order for all three victims and a no-contact order for several witnesses.
Additionally, Mason is seeking a SOIRA order for 20 years, referring to the Sex Offender Information Registration Act which came into effect in 2004.
