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A former jazz professor at the University of Manitoba has been charged with sexual assault.
Steven Kirby, 62, was arrested in May and released on a promise to appear in court at a later date, but police just issued a release about the arrest today.
"Investigators were satisfied there was no immediate danger to any other people at the time so we felt safe in doing so," said Const. Tammy Skrabek when asked about holding off on announcing the charges.
The incidents allegedly took place between September 2014 and January 2017 and involved multiple incidents with the same 19-year-old student.
Skrabek said the case has gone before the courts six times since the arrest and will go to trial in June 2019.
University president David Barnard has issued an apology to students who have experienced assaults or harassments on campus.
"Incidents of inappropriate behaviour at this university have been reported and investigated over the last few years,” Barnard said.
“Inappropriate behaviour, including sexual harassment and sexual assault on campus is unacceptable, and, quite honestly, I find such conduct to be horrible and appalling.”
Barnard added that he’s “deeply sorry” to any students who have experienced this kind of inappropriate behaviour.
There are currently five investigations at the school into alleged sexual assaults and harassment, all involving faculty members.
With files from the Canadian Press.
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