Article contentThe next day, Humby offered to drive him home. Article contentHumby allegedly did similar things on another night after having a birthday party for the complainant, complete with friends, drinks, supper, a homemade birthday cake, and a card. Article contentThe complainant said he visited Humby’s home several times over the years, mowing the lawn, shoveling snow or just hanging out with other teens. Article content“Why his house?” Badcock asked. Article content“Because we could have a few drinks,” the complainant replied. Article contentHe told the court the abuse stopped when he was 19. Article content Tony Humby speaks to his lawyer Mark Gruchy during his trial. Photo by Keith Gosse/The TelegramArticle contentPolice officers testifyArticle contentWith the defence’s cross-examination of the complainant on hold, the trial continued Friday afternoon with brief testimony from two Royal Newfoundland Constabulary officers, who described their brief involvement with another complainant who testified this week. Article contentOne officer told the court he was tasked in December 2021 with obtaining a statement from the teenager, but the boy indicated he was not willing to talk. Article contentArticle contentThe other officer said he was dispatched one night in November 2022 to a St. John’s youth group home on a report of a historical sexual assault. He said he met with the complainant there and took a hand-written statement from him, which he provided to investigators in the Child Abuse and Sexual Assault Unit. Article contentThat complaint launched an investigation that resulted in Humby’s arrest in April 2023, alongside his co-accused, Bruce Escott, 82. Their list of charges increased over the next years as police investigated more complaints. Article contentHumby has pleaded not guilty to more than 70 offences involving 11 complainants, spanning two decades. Article contentArticle contentMany of the complainants have testified they were young teenagers living in group homes when they met Humby, who supplied them with alcohol, cigarettes and marijuana before sexually assaulting and exploiting them. Article contentResources for those impacted by sexual violence in Newfoundland and Labrador: Article contentEnd Sexual Violence NL Article contentResources include a 24-hour support and information line: 1-800-726-2743, www.endsexualviolence.com Article contentProvincial sexual assault crisis line Article contentOffers 24/7 support and information for those impacted by sexual violence: 1-800-726-2743 or (709) 747-7757. Article contentArticle contentProvides support navigating legal systems to those who have experienced sexual violence or intimate partner violence in Newfoundland and Labrador: 1-833-722-2805 or (709) 722-2805, or journeyproject.ca Article content
Cross-exam at Humby sexual violence trial in NL on hold after complainant falls ill
