OTTAWA — Caitlan Coleman, who was backpacking in Asia with husband Joshua Boyle when the pair were seized by extremists, told a judge today her future spouse would often belittle and demean her during the early days of their rollercoaster courtship.
Boyle, 35, has pleaded not guilty to offences against Coleman, including assault, sexual assault and unlawful confinement, that allegedly took place after the couple were freed by Pakistani forces and had returned to Canada in late 2017.
Coleman, 33, recounted at Boyle's trial how the two met online and began a complicated on-and-off relationship before marrying in 2011 and travelling the following year to central Asia.
The Pennsylvania-raised Coleman says early on Boyle insulted her, told her she wasn't good enough and made her question her self-worth.
She says he became agitated when she suggested in 2008 they go their separate ways, calling her repeatedly and even threatening to kill himself.
Coleman's testimony is expected to continue through early next week.