ST. JOHN'S, N.L. — The Crown will appeal the acquittal of a police officer in Newfoundland who was accused of sexually assaulting an intoxicated woman.
Last month, a jury found Const. Doug Snelgrove not guilty.
Court heard that after a night of drinking, the woman approached the officer's parked police cruiser in December 2014 and asked for a ride home because she thought it would be safer than taking a cab.
She testified the night ended with her passing out — then waking up as the constable with the Royal Newfoundland Constabulary was having sex with her.
Snelgrove's acquittal on Feb. 24 became a flashpoint for public outrage about "rape culture" and the issue of consent.
The Crown had argued the 10-year veteran of the police force took advantage of a vulnerable woman, but Snelgrove testified he had the woman's consent for sex, and she did not appear drunk.