Lyle Howe sex assault trial hears closing arguments

Crown and defence lawyers made their closing arguments today in the case of a Halifax lawyer accused of drugging and sexually assaulting a woman in 2011.

Lyle Howe, 29, has pleaded not guilty to sexual assault and administering a stupefying drug. The charges were laid after an alleged incident on March 20, 2011, involving a 19-year-old woman.

Howe admits to having sex with the complainant but says it was consensual.

On Tuesday, Howe's lawyer Mike Taylor said his client did well on the stand.

"I think it went basically as I expected it to go," he said.

"Most relevant is Mr. Howe's evidence that this was a consensual situation. And credibility, of course, comes into play in a significant way when it comes to those kinds of things."

Crown prosecutor Darcy MacPherson agreed that consent is crucial.

"Sexual assault is one of the counts here. And there is, now, no question that sexual activity took place. So it becomes an offence only if there is a lack of consent. So that's got to be key," he said.

Chief Justice Joseph Kennedy will give his final instructions to the jury Friday morning.

Deliberations should begin Friday afternoon.