Sexual aggression of the president of the Western University Department “left deep scars,” says the court victim

WARNING: The story contains graphic language and disturbing content.

A London courtroom heard an emotional statement on the impact of the victim on a professor at the Western University, once respected, convicted in November for sexual aggression against a woman he supervised.

The woman, a laboratory technician who cannot be appointed because of a publication prohibition, told the court of long -lasting physical, emotional and psychological damage, after an attack by Ajay Ray, her boss and former president of the University Chemical and Biochemical Department.

Ray was convicted for forcing the woman’s vagina forcibly in a attack that happened in the victim’s office at the University on July 19, 2016.

“I felt shattered and powerless”

The woman, a married mother, told the court that the attack left her with severe and long-term emotional trauma, which affected every aspect of her life.

“I felt completely shocked, unable to move or defend myself,” she said about the attack. “I felt shattered and powerless.”

The woman, who gave her the statement by a video in a separate camera from the Court’s building, said that the attack had removed much of the joy of her life.

“I became a shadow of the woman I once been,” she said in court. “Sexual abuse and aggression have left deep scars in my mind and soul that affects every part of my life. It was difficult for me to trust, to feel safe and to see a pain -free future.

“I was a professional respected at the height of my career. The job was my source of pride. I was appreciated and respected. The attack changed everything. The environment became toxic and hostile.”

The woman’s husband also gave an impact statement to the victim who told the court that, from the attack, his wife often wakes up from nightmares and shouts for terror.

“I am powerless to delete the pain it caused -” he said.

The crown is looking for an 18 -month prison sentence

The statements with impact victims are part of the statements that the Spencer Nicholson justice will consider in conviction.

Deputy Crown Lawyer, Shane Wright, told the court that he is requesting a prison sentence of 18 months and two years of evidence for Ray, who is 64 years old and has no previous convictions.

Wright claimed that a prison sentence is appropriate because Ray was in a power position on the victim.

Ray’s lawyer Stephen Troyer argued for a conditional sentence of two years less a day, which would mean that Ray will perform his sentence with home monitoring. Troyer also stressed more than 50 support letters submitted for Ray, including some of the work colleagues and students.

Toyer said the court heard that Ray was “forced to retire voluntarily” from his position at Western after conviction, concluding a distinguished career in teaching and research that included numerous prizes for his work in bio chemistry.

Professor Kenneth S. Coley announced the retirement of Ray in force on December 13, 2024, in an E -mail sent to colleagues who do not mention his conviction that happened a month before.

“I also take advantage of this opportunity to recognize Ajay’s contributions to the Faculty of Engineering, the Chemical and Biochemical Engineering Department and the wider field of chemical engineering, along a career of almost 20 years in Western,” said Coley’s Notes.

The court has heard that Ray continues to maintain his innocence and intends to file a conviction.

Ray is to be convicted on April 10.