Victoria, British Columbia – A 23-year-old man has been sentenced to three years and eight months in prison for a violent sexual assault in his CFB Esquimalt dorm room. Hayden Chokrev-Evans was convicted following a five-day jury trial, where the issue of consent was central, as noted by Justice Carla Forth in her sentencing reasons.
Chokrev-Evans met the woman on a dating app, and their interactions led to a meeting in Nanaimo before she visited him at the Canadian Forces Base in Esquimalt. What began as a seemingly romantic encounter turned violent when Chokrev-Evans attacked the woman, choking her, suffocating her, and bashing her head into a wall.
The victim suffered physical and emotional trauma following the assault, which led to her seeking medical attention and reporting the incident to the police. In court, the woman detailed the impact of the assault on her mental health, describing feelings of isolation, depression, and a loss of trust in others.
During the trial, the jury rejected Chokrev-Evans’s claim that the sexual activity was consensual, ultimately finding him guilty of sexual assault while choking, suffocating, or strangling the victim. This verdict led to Chokrev-Evans’s sentencing, where Justice Forth considered both aggravating and mitigating factors in determining his punishment.
Notably, Chokrev-Evans’s lack of remorse and failure to acknowledge the severity of his actions raised concerns about his potential for rehabilitation. His predatory behavior and manipulation of the victim for his own sexual gratification were highlighted by the court as particularly egregious.
Following his conviction, Chokrev-Evans has been in custody and his employment status with the Royal Canadian Navy remains uncertain. Questions about his continued employment have been referred to the Department of National Defence for clarification.
The case serves as a stark reminder of the lasting impact of sexual violence and the importance of holding perpetrators accountable for their actions. The victim’s bravery in coming forward and seeking justice underscores the need for continued efforts to support survivors of assault and prevent such incidents from occurring in the future.