A man accused of sexually assaulting three teens and one young woman in Chatham-Kent and Sarnia-Lambton in 1997 will have to wait until next week to find out if he will be released on bail.
Jason Davidson, 52, formerly of Chatham, was in Chatham court on Friday afternoon to request bail. However, the Judge said he won't deliver his decision until Wednesday afternoon.
The prosecution is seeking at least $100,000 from three family sureties to release Davidson on bail, is also proposing house arrest with an ankle monitor in Campbell River, British Columbia, and wants no contact between him and any of the complainants.
The prosecution told the court that Davidson must be kept behind bars because of the serious nature of the allegations. Otherwise, public confidence in the justice system "will be brought into disrepute."
Davidson's family sureties heard graphic, violent, and horrific sex act allegations presented by the prosecution.
"These crimes were calloused," said the prosecution. "This is a case that shakes the foundation of this community."
The Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) previously alleged that Davidson sexually assaulted the four women between March and August of 1997.
Davidson was arrested in Campbell River, British Columbia, on October 26 and faces 15 criminal charges, including kidnapping, forcible confinement, uttering threats, sexual assault, aggravated sexual assault, sexual assault causing bodily harm, sexual assault with a weapon, and theft.
The prosecution added that the sureties are not appropriate because they're either too reliant on Davidson or don't know the alleged "secret double life" that he led.
They also noted that releasing Davidson to B.C. could make it problematic for him to attend court in Chatham, as it's too far away.
The defence told the court that detention is not necessary and promised to ensure Davidson will attend Chatham court when required.
They also said he's presumed innocent and has a right to "reasonable" bail, adding that it will be an opportunity to say goodbye to his family if he's found guilty.
"This house arrest is as strict as it gets. The sureties are making a very serious bet on his innocence," said the defence, adding that Davidson can't leave the house under any circumstances and will be under constant supervision by his sureties, who will live with him.
The defence also noted that they will reconsider the bail plan if necessary.
The OPP noted that Davidson has ties to the Sarnia-Lambton and Chatham-Kent areas.
The court previously heard that he moved to B.C. in 2015.
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