TORONTO — The judge at Jian Ghomeshi's sexual assault trial says he will look at the evidence from one final witness that the Crown wanted to testify.
Crown lawyer Michael Callaghan told court earlier today that the witness would corroborate allegations made at the trial by Lucy DeCoutere, one of the three women who have accused the former broadcaster of sexual assault.
DeCoutere, known for her role on "Trailer Park Boys," testified last week that Ghomeshi choked her and repeatedly slapped her while they were kissing in his bedroom in the summer of 2003.
Callaghan said the new witness — whose identity is protected by a publication ban — would put to rest allegations that DeCoutere fabricated the story to win notoriety and fame.
Ghomeshi's defence team, however, opposed calling the witness, saying DeCoutere's cross-examination showed the "the breadth and scope" of her dishonesty.
Justice William Horkins says he's decided that the safest course is for him to hear the evidence and then determine "any probative value it may have."
The witness however cannot travel to Toronto to testify due to stormy weather in her hometown, so both the Crown and the defence have agreed to present the judge with a transcript of the woman's statement to police as well as Facebook messages she exchanged with DeCoutere.
Ghomeshi has pleaded not guilty to four counts of sexual assault and one count of overcome resistance by choking.
The 48-year-old former host of CBC Radio's "Q" acknowledged in 2014 that he engaged in rough sex acts, but said it was consensual.
The trial resumes on Wednesday.
