Former Pride Toronto board member and co-chair Luka Amona was found not guilty of sexual assault after a judge ruled that the alleged victim’s story was inconsistent.
Amona was charged with sexual assault stemming from an incident in August 2012, when the alleged victim — a former lover and Pride volunteer whose identity is protected by a publication ban — claims Amona drugged him and sexually assaulted him in his home after a volunteer appreciation party.
The complainant claimed to have blacked out at the party; however, witnesses testified that he didn’t appear drunk, was actively pursuing Amona at the party, and insisted on getting into a cab with Amona at the end of the night.
The complainant also could not explain why multiple text messages were sent from his phone to Amona during the party.
Superior Court Justice Michael Quigley delivered his verdict after both Amona and the complainant took the stand.
Amona was first elected to the Pride Board in a by-election in January 2011. He secured a full term in an election in October 2011. But Xtra reported that he resigned from the board a year later because of “personal reasons.” He now lives in Manitoba.
Amona could not be reached for comment on this story.
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