The co-founder of the iconic Canadian rock band BTO (Bachman-Turner Overdrive) has had his most recent set of sexual offence charges stayed.
Timothy Gregg Bachman, 63, had been charged in May 2014 with sexual assault, sexual interference and invitation to sexual touching – just one year after he had been acquitted of similar charges in a separate case.
The most recent charges related to alleged offences taking place in the 1990s.
Neil MacKenzie, communications counsel with the Criminal Justice Branch, said he could not provide the specifics on the why the charges were stayed, but the decision was reached while the prosecutor handling the case was preparing for the preliminary inquiry.
“On the evidence that was available, the branch would not have been in a position to prove the charges alleged, and as a result directed a stay of proceedings on Nov. 19,” MacKenzie said.
Bachman previously went on trial after being charged in June 2010 with sexual assault, touching a young person for a sexual purpose and sexual interference of a person under 14.
He was found not guilty of those charges in May 2013.
The charges related to a period from 2000 to 2004, when the complainant was 11 to 14 years old and was living with the Bachman family in Abbotsford.
In that case, the judge found that there were too many inconsistencies in the testimony of the complainant, Stacy Bohun, who, during the trial asked that the ban be lifted on the publication of her name.
Although the judge described Bohun as “mature, poised and well-spoken” during her testimony, he said the evidence wasn’t sufficient enough to convict Bachman.
At the time charges were laid in that case, Bachman had been working as a realtor in Abbotsford.
Bachman founded BTO, along with his brothers Randy and Robbie, as well as Fred Turner. He left the group in 1974, but rejoined BTO for a 1984 reunion and led touring versions of the band in 1987 and ’88.
BTO is best known for the hit songs You Ain’t Seen Nothing Yet and Takin’ Care of Business.