B.C. social worker tells court he didn't shave former client's body hair

KAMLOOPS, B.C. — A social worker accused of shaving a former client’s body hair while he slept, threatening him and then holding him against his will has denied the allegations in B.C. Supreme Court.

Michael Hume is facing one count each of sexual assault, forcible confinement and uttering threats stemming from an alleged incident at his home in Lytton.

The complainant, who cannot be identified due to a court order, testified through tears last week about waking up naked on Aug. 8, 2013, to find Hume, his former social worker, shaving off most of his body hair.

The man in his 20s said he reluctantly accepted a ride from Hume that night after drinking at a friend’s house because he otherwise faced a long walk home.

He said Hume drove him to his own home, where the alleged incident occurred.

Hume told court that the allegations are not true.

“Did you shave this man?” asked defence lawyer Richard Kaiser.

“Absolutely not,” Hume replied.

“Did you threaten this man?”

“Absolutely not,” Hume said.

“Did you confine him within your home at any time?” Kaiser asked.

“Absolutely not,” Hume said.

According to Hume, the complainant had threatened to ruin his reputation in the small Fraser Canyon community if he didn’t hand over cash.

“He says, ‘I want you to give me $200,'” Hume said.

“I said, ‘I’m not giving you $200.’"

“He said, ‘I’ll pick up the phone and I’ll actually destroy your reputation if you don’t give me $200.’

“I told him it’s not an option.”

The complainant has testified that soon after arriving at Hume's home, he went into the washroom and became sick to his stomach after drinking with his friend.

He said Hume then handed him a drink but that he didn't consume most of it and soon blacked out, only to awake and find his former social worker shaving his body hair, including his genitals.

The young man said he was scared and made a phone call pleading for help.

Jurors have heard a recording of a call from the complainant to the band chief from Hume's house, after the Crown alleges the assault occurred.

"I need you to pick up right now, please. Pick up, please,'' the man was heard saying.

He said Hume then drove him to his cousin's house, told him not to tell anyone what happened and threw $50 at him.

Hume also told court that he drove the young man to his cousin's house but denied the other allegations.

Under cross-examination from Kaiser earlier this week, the complainant denied attempting to extort Hume.

The jury has heard police found the complainant’s shaven body hair inside Hume’s vacuum cleaner.

Last week, Lytton First Nation Janet Webster testified Hume arrived in the community 10 years ago.

She said he first worked as a youth and recreational counsellor and later assisted with restorative justice and helped young band members — including the complainant — navigate the legal system. (Kamloops This Week)