Surprise guilty plea, in cold case sexual assault

CALGARY- There was a surprise guilty plea on Monday, in a cold case sexual assault dating back over two decades.

56-year-old Gerald Raymond Clark was accused in the 1990 attack on a Calgary woman, after DNA linked him to the case.

A three week trial was scheduled, but just before proceedings got underway, Clark admitted to breaking into the woman’s home while she slept, binding her with duct tape and sexually assaulting her.

“Any time an offender chooses to take responsibility for their actions and saves the court time and saves the victim having to take the stand, it’s an important thing in the court system,” says prosecutor Jayme Williams.

The victim adds she’s relieved she can finally move on.

“It’s a wonderful feeling,” said the woman, whose identity is being protected. “I’m the one who is going to be free. He’s going to be the one serving his time, it’s a great relief and I can move on with my life.”

Crown prosecutors are asking for an eight year prison term. A sentencing hearing will be held on Monday.