Accuser testifies at sexual assault trial of former B.C. Mountie Tim Shields
The woman, a civilian employee who can't be named, claims she was sexually harassed in 2009
The complainant in a sexual assault case against former RCMP inspector Tim Shields took the stand Thursday at the retired Mountie's trial in Vancouver Provincial Court.
The woman — who can't be named because of a court-ordered publication ban — was a civilian employee in the same department as Shields.
She started work there in February 2008.
The woman claims she was assaulted in a locked bathroom at the RCMP's B.C. headquarters in Vancouver in 2009.
She has since left the force.
In her morning testimony, the woman spent most of the time detailing her duties while working for the RCMP.
She says she was diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in the fall of 2013.
Shields' lawyer, David Butcher, objected to questions about the woman's PTSD symptoms, arguing there is no expert evidence of the illness.
In the afternoon, Crown counsel Michelle Booker waded through various emails exchanged between the complainant and her RCMP colleagues, including Shields.
One set dealt with the woman and Shields trying to set-up a work-related meeting.
In one email, Shields wrote to her, "Don't forget to bring your smile."
Much-anticipated testimony
The woman's testimony has been long awaited.
The trial has been plagued by procedural delays and questions about the admissibility of some key evidence.
Twice on Thursday afternoon the judge hearing the evidence questioned Booker about how the Crown is proceeding with its case.
The complainant is expected to return to the stand next week.
Shields denies the allegations against him and has pleaded not guilty to the charge of sexual assault.
Throughout his accuser's testimony he took extensive notes.
The one-time media spokesperson for the RCMP in B.C. was suspended with pay in May 2015.
Shields retired from the force in December of that same year.