Jian Ghomeshi Sex Assault Trial: Day One

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He was ‘punching me in the head, multiple times,’ witness 

Defence challenges credibility of complainant’s testimony in cross-examination

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By Mark Gollom, CBC News         Posted: Feb 01, 2016 

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As the high-profile trial of Jian Ghomeshi opened Monday, a woman who alleges she was sexually assaulted twice by the former CBC radio host testified that he twice pulled her hair and on one occasion punched her in the head multiple times after they started kissing at his home.

“He pulls my head down, and at the same time, he’s punching me in the head, multiple times,” the woman, whose identity is protected by a publication ban, said in Ontario Court in Toronto.

“I’m terrified. I don’t know why he’s doing this, I don’t know if he’s going to stop. Can I take this pain? And my ears are ringing, and I felt like I was going to faint. I’m going to end up passed out on his floor. And I start to cry.”

The credibility of the woman’s testimony was later challenged aggressively by Ghomeshi’s lawyer, Marie Henein, who called into question her recollection of key events.

Ghomeshi, 48, who lives in Toronto, has pleaded not guilty in court to four counts of sexual assault and one count of overcoming resistance by choking, all related to assaults alleged to have taken place from 2002 to 2003. The trial is by judge only and is being heard by Judge William Horkins.

Wearing a charcoal suit, Ghomeshi sat silent in the courtroom, occasionally scribbling down notes during the trial.

READ THE REST OF TODAY’s TESTIMONY STORY  HERE  AT THE CBC NEWS WEBSITE

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