The man charged with sexual assault of a woman on a blind date in 2015 — and whose defence is based on a sleep disorder known as sexsomnia — has been fired by his employer.
Karl Richard Antonius, the 51-year-old president of B.C.-registered Boreal Metals Corp., has been asked to tender his immediate resignation, according to a press release from the company late Friday.
“Boreal Metals. Corp. announces that Karl Richard in court proceedings in B.C. that have been the subject of media reporting this week. Mr. Antonius is no longer an officer or employee of the company.”
Antonius is on trial for one count of sexual assault that is being heard in B.C. Supreme Court.
The release explains that because Antonius failed to notify the board of the charges, he is required to immediately tender his resignation, “failing which the company intends to take steps to remove Mr. Antonius as a director.”
The release is signed by company CEO Patricio Varas.
“Boreal will make no further comment on this matter as it is currently before the courts.”
During the ongoing trial, Antonius’ defence called several witnesses, including his mother and a girlfriend, to testify about sleeping issues he claims to have experienced throughout his life.
The trial has heard that at the time of the alleged 2015 assault, Antonius had sexsomnia, a condition in which a person behaves very much like someone sleepwalking and therefore is acting involuntarily and not responsible for their actions.
In April, the complainant, who cannot be identified due to a publication ban, testified that she was sexually assaulted during a date with Antonius.
The trial resumes in January.
https://www.msn.com/en-ca/news/canada/sexsomnia-defendant-karl-antonius-fired-by-boreal-metals-corp/ar-BBXxAfQ?ocid=spartanntp
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