'I'm not guilty,' says man accused of assaulting transgender escort

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This article was published 27/10/2015 (1410 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Justice officials seek a five-year prison sentence for a Winnipeg man who flew into a violent rage after hiring a transgender escort.

James Leclaire, 29, was convicted of sexual assault causing bodily harm and robbery for the July 2013 attack inside his home. Leclaire was out on bail at the time for a series of violent incidents in Alberta against his former girlfriend, including multiple sexual assaults. He has since been found guilty of those crimes and is awaiting sentencing later this year.

"I’m not guilty," Leclaire said Tuesday when asked if he had any comments to make in court. He has repeatedly denied any wrongdoing, claiming he was acting in self-defence, despite the evidence and legal findings against him. The Crown says these denials only add to his risk of re-offending.

Crown attorney Danielle Simard said there are frightening similarities between the Calgary attacks in 2012 and the Winnipeg incident in 2013. Both involved "extreme anger" and violence against women by a man who had otherwise lived a normal, law-abiding life up to that point.

Simard said the victim of the Winnipeg incident suffered extensive physical and emotional trauma as a result of the incident. Court heard Leclaire flew into a rage when the victim asked to be paid for her services after being hired online.

"This was a particularly vulnerable complainant living a high-risk lifestyle," said Simard.

In fact, one just has to look down the hall at the Winnipeg Law Courts to see how dangerous that lifestyle can be. A second-degree murder trial is underway for a Winnipeg man accused of beating a transgender sex-trade worker to death, wrapping her body in plastic and dumping it at a highway rest stop outside the city.

In the attacks against his ex-girlfriend, Leclaire got angry with the woman because he didn’t like her hanging out with other people, court was told. All of these incidents, which included three separate sex assaults, happened over a month-long period shortly after she miscarried.

Defence lawyer Sarah Inness told court her client had picked up sex-trade workers and hired escorts before without incident, but "this was the first time he had any experience with a transgender sex trade worker." She is seeking a three-and-a-half year prison sentence.

Queen’s Bench Justice Shawn Greenberg has reserved her decision until Nov. 24. Leclaire remains in custody without bail.

www.mikeoncrime.com