WARNING: This article references sexual assault and may affect those who have experienced sexual violence or know someone impacted by it.
A man from St. Thomas, charged with sexually assaulting a woman in London during the day, has been granted bail following a contested hearing, even though a Crown prosecutor argued he should stay in custody.
According to London police, Gregory Zehr, 45, approached a woman walking in the 600 block of Adelaide Street on June 4 and tricked her into getting into his vehicle. Once inside, police say he displayed a knife, restrained her hands, and drove her to the area near Oxford Street East and Mornington Avenue, where she was reportedly sexually assaulted.
Zehr faces six charges: sexual assault with a weapon, forcible confinement, kidnapping, assault with a weapon, possession of a weapon, and making threats of death or bodily harm. These allegations have not yet been proven in court.
During his bail hearing on Wednesday via video from Elgin-Middlesex Detention Centre, Assistant Crown attorney Lisa Defoe opposed his release due to the seriousness of the accusations. Meanwhile, defense attorney Lisa Gunn suggested that Zehr could be released under a plan involving his parents as sureties. Justice Clive Forbes approved the bail request.
A publication ban is in effect to protect the identity of the alleged victim.
Zehr will remain in custody until he can have a government-funded GPS monitoring device fitted. He is set to return to court in London on Sept. 24.
As part of his release conditions, Zehr must:
Live with his parents in New Hamburg, Ont., under house arrest except for limited exceptions. Have no direct or indirect contact with the alleged victim. Stay away from locations associated with the alleged victim like where they live or work. Not possess or use any internet-connected device unless he’s directly supervised by one of his sureties. Wear a GPS monitoring device and comply with provincial monitoring requirements.
Last month, London police held a press conference announcing these charges and mentioned that investigators believe there may be more victims out there.
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A London Police poster of Gregory Zehr and the vehicle he’s accused of driving at the time of the alleged crimes. (London Police Service)
The police are asking anyone who thinks they might have had a similar encounter with Zehr to reach out to them.
If you or someone you know has experienced sexual or domestic violence, help is available. In your area, you can reach out to the London Abused Women’s Centre and Anova for support. You can find crisis lines and local services through this government of Canada website or consult the Ending Violence Association of Canada database. If you’re in immediate danger or worried about your safety or others’ safety around you, please call 911.
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