McMaster University professor not guilty of sexually assaulting grad student

A Hamilton judge has found McMaster University professor Scott Watter not guilty of sexually assaulting a graduate student.

I reject her testimony that she did not consent to the sexual activity," Justice Amanda Camara said Thursday, delivering her judgment over Zoom. I find Dr. Watter not guilty of both criminal charges."

A student alleged her former professor, then a friend and confidant, sexually assaulted her repeatedly over a period of several months in 2017. In the judge-only trial that began May 17, the student - the only witness to take the stand - testified Watter kissed her on the piano bench in his and his wife's basement, held her down and spanked her, penetrated her anus with his fingers, and twisted her nipples until they bled. In her evidence, she said she did not consent to any sexual activity.

Watter, 48, was charged with sexual assault and sexual assault causing bodily harm. He pleaded not guilty.

The complainant is a PhD student in the university's Department of Psychology, Neuroscience and Behaviour (PNB) and cannot be identified due to a publication ban.

More to come ...

Kate McCullough is an education reporter at The Spectator. kmccullough@thespec.com