Victoria, British Columbia – Hayden Chokrev-Evans has been sentenced to three years and eight months in prison for a violent sexual assault on a woman he met through a dating app. The attack, which took place in his CFB Esquimalt dorm room, involved choking, suffocating, and physical violence.
Chokrev-Evans, a 23-year-old man employed with the Royal Canadian Navy at the time, was found guilty following a five-day jury trial at the B.C. Supreme Court. The jury had to determine the issue of consent, which hinged on the credibility of both the victim and the accused.
The woman, who cannot be identified due to a publication ban, met Chokrev-Evans on Tinder and agreed to meet in person. Despite the woman’s hope for a potential relationship, Chokrev-Evans admitted to misleading her, only seeking “quick sex.” The encounter turned violent when Chokrev-Evans physically assaulted the woman in his dorm room.
During the assault, the woman experienced physical harm, including bruising on her body and difficulty breathing and swallowing. Following the attack, she sought medical attention and reported the incident to the authorities.
In court, the jury rejected Chokrev-Evans’ claim of the woman consenting to the sexual activity. The judge, Carla Forth, described the assault as a violent violation of the woman’s physical and emotional well-being, emphasizing the lack of remorse or acknowledgment of guilt from Chokrev-Evans.
Forth expressed concern over Chokrev-Evans’ lack of understanding of the severity of his actions and the impact on the victim. She questioned his potential for rehabilitation and highlighted his predatory behavior in manipulating the victim for his gratification.
Chokrev-Evans, who has been in custody since February 2024, faces consequences for his actions as the court seeks justice for the victim. The case underscores the importance of addressing sexual assault cases with sensitivity and awareness of the impact on survivors.