Man faces sexual assault causing bodily harm charges

A man who has been charged twice in the last two months with sexual assault is facing charges in relation to a separate incident involving a different victim that occurred in 2014.

On December 6, 2014 at 6:30 p.m. a woman reported to police that she had been sexually assaulted by a man known to her on December 5 at a residence on Lemarchant Street in Halifax.

An investigation was conducted by an investigator with the Sexual Assault Investigative Team of the Integrated Criminal Investigation Division and the file was closed with no charges laid on January 5, 2015. The investigation was re-opened on January 19, 2018 by investigators with the Sexual Assault Investigative Team and on February 7, 2018, 34-year-old Mathew Albert Percy of Halifax was charged with sexual assault causing bodily harm. Percy appeared in Halifax Provincial court today in relation to the charge where he was remanded into custody to await his next court appearance.

Sexual assault investigations are very complex. As part of our victim-centered, trauma-informed approach to sexualized violence, we work closely with victims to ensure they’re willing to proceed with a police investigation, which includes giving a statement about the incident. Police must also ensure the victim’s privacy is upheld and well-being is fully considered.

Source: Media Release