A 61-year-old Barriere man accused of violently groping a 96-year-old woman has been found not guilty.
Brian Byung Koo Lee was acquitted in Kamloops provincial court on Monday.
He stood trial in April on one count of sexual assault after it was alleged he attacked an elderly acquaintance last summer.
At trial, the woman testified Lee entered her home and aggressively fondled and kissed her.
Court was shown photos of bruising she said was a result of the incident.
Lee took the stand in his own defence, denying the allegations outright. He said he had visited the home, but left after becoming involved in an awkward family conversation with the elderly woman.
In delivering his decision, Kamloops provincial court Judge Chris Cleaveley pointed out inconsistencies in the evidence of the woman and two of her relatives, but stopped short of saying he did not believe her.
He called Lee’s testimony “balanced” and believable.
“I accept Mr. Lee’s evidence without any reservation,” he said.
