2016-02-10

TORONTO — Trailer Park Boys actor Sarah Dunsworth has been identified as the final Crown witness at Jian Ghomeshi’s sexual assault trial after the lifting of a publication ban on her name.

Dunsworth is a friend of Lucy DeCoutere, another Trailer Park Boys actor and one of three women who have accused the disgraced broadcaster of sexual assault.

Crown lawyer Michael Callaghan told court on Tuesday that a statement Dunsworth made to police would corroborate DeCoutere’s allegations that Ghomeshi choked her and repeatedly slapped her while they were kissing in his bedroom in the summer of 2003.

Postmedia filesSarah Dunsworth, left, and Lucy DeCoutere, right, in character in a still from the Trailer Park Boys movie. Dunsworth has been identified as the final Crown witness after a publication ban on her name was lifted.

He also said that Dunsworth’s police statement would put to rest allegations that DeCoutere fabricated the story to win notoriety and fame.

The transcript of her police statement was introduced as an exhibit in court on along with the transcript of Facebook messages the two actresses exchanged before Dunsworth went to police.

Ghomeshi will not take the stand in his trial and closing arguments are set to begin on Thursday when court resumes.

Ghomeshi has pleaded not guilty to four counts of sexual assault and one count of overcoming resistance by choking.

The 48-year-old former host of CBC Radio’s Q acknowledged in 2014 that he engaged in rough sex acts, but said it was consensual.

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