Here’s why Jacob Hoggard’s sex-assault trial jury didn’t hear about his prior conviction [Video]

WARNING: This article may affect those who have experienced​ ​​​sexual violence or know someone affected by it. 

More than two years after he was convicted for a violent rape, Jacob Hoggard is waiting to find out whether a jury will find him guilty of sexually assaulting another woman.

With jurors sequestered since Friday afternoon to deliberate on a verdict, it can now be reported that prosecutors and the defence agreed to avoid any reference to Hoggard’s conviction in 2022 or any “prior discreditable conduct” during this trial in northeastern Ontario. 

And although the disgraced 40-year-old singer is now serving a prison sentence, the court took steps to ensure jurors didn’t see any sign that he’s currently in custody.

This is all common practice in such circumstances, legal experts say, to ensure the jury focuses solely on the evidence presented at trial.

The former frontman of the Canadian pop-rock group Hedley …