Soldier admits to assaults, spared criminal record

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This article was published 29/06/2020 (2162 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

A Winnipeg soldier has been spared a criminal record after admitting to assaulting two women at a house party.

Jonathan Hunt, a second lieutenant stationed at 17 Wing Air Force Base, was arrested in May 2018 following an investigation by military police.

Justice Chris Martin granted Hunt a two year conditional discharge Monday, saying he was satisfied Hunt’s behaviour was a “one-off” and that he was a very low risk to reoffend.

“This matter appears to be completely out of character… and there will be, I find, significant repercussions respecting any ongoing service in the military,” Martin said.

Crown prosecutor Melissa Hazelton had recommended Hunt receive a two-year suspended sentence, leaving Hunt with a criminal record that likely would have resulted in a dishonourable discharge from the military.

A medical discharge, however, remains “an active consideration by the military,” Martin said.

According to an agreed statement of facts previously disclosed to court, Hunt had been drinking and socializing with the victims and others at one of the victims’ 17 Wing home the evening of Aug. 12, 2017 when he decided to make the group some bacon and eggs.

One of the victims, not liking the way Hunt was cooking the bacon, tried to take over, at which point Hunt “hip-checked” her away from the stove. When the second victim told Hunt to move aside he grabbed the woman by the neck and shoved her against the fridge. When the woman told Hunt he was hurting her he released her, saying “I don’t know my own strength.”

Later that evening, Hunt and the first victim took some blankets to a nearby field to watch a meteor shower. The two kissed for a time, but the woman rebuffed any further advances from Hunt, saying she was married. Later, after she had refused his request for a sex act, Hunt “grabbed and pinched (the victim) in a manner which caused her pain,” according to the agreed statement of facts.

The woman reported the incident to military police the following morning.

According to victim impact statements provided to court, both woman were later diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder.

“I fear that he will do it again,” the first victim wrote. “I fear that now he is angry that I told on him and wrecked his life.”

A career soldier, Hunt has suffered from anxiety and depression since his arrest and last year attempted suicide, court heard. Hunt has no military disciplinary record and was described in support letters as a man “highly regarded” for his dedication and good character, Martin said, going on to note Hunt was cooperative with investigators and took anger management counselling while on bail.

“While Mr. Hunt was not intoxicated, it appears clear that drinking affected his social inhibitions and contributed to his behaviour in a manner that was out of character and inconsistent with how he would normally conduct himself,” Martin said. 

dean.pritchard@freepress.mb.ca