A Winnipeg councillor accused of sexual assault was a no-show for the city’s final council meeting before the summer break.
Coun. Russ Wyatt was granted a “leave of absence” for Thursday’s meeting for “a doctor’s appointment.” Coun. Devi Sharma moved a motion granting him the absence, and it was seconded by Coun. Ross Eadie.
Wyatt was arrested and charged with sexual assault on July 11. The charges have not been proven in court.
Police said they received a complaint Jan. 14 from a woman saying a sexual assault had taken place at Winnipeg residence. Police said the assault was not domestic in nature and did not happen at Wyatt’s Transcona home.
The months-long investigation included several interviews as well as the collection of forensic evidence. Results of those tests were returned last week.
“The delay in sexual assault charges is almost always based in getting lab results back. So forensic evidence is submitted and it takes a long time,” Const. Rob Carver said at the time.
“We can’t move forward until we get those results back.”
Wyatt has denied the allegations.
“I have no comment to make regarding the allegation against me other than to say that I am innocent of any wrong-doing.”
“I will defend myself in a court of law and will only respond further to the allegation in a court room,” he told Global News.
All other council members were in attendance Thursday.
WATCH: Winnipeg police charge Russ Wyatt with sexual assault