One of the co-founders of the iconic Canadian rock band BTO (Bachman-Turner Overdrive) was acquitted today of sexually abusing a foster children more than a decade ago.
Tim Bachman, 59, was charged in June 2010 with sexual assault, touching a young person for a sexual purpose, and sexual interference of a young person under 14.
The charges relate to a period from 2000 to 2004, when the complainant, Stacy Bohun (pictured below), was 11 to 14 years old and was living with the Bachman family in Abbotsford.
Justice Neill Brown, speaking in B.C. Supreme Court in New Westminster, said he found too many inconsistencies in Bohun's testimony and the evidence wasn't sufficient enough for a criminal conviction.
However, he described Bohun as mature, poised and well-spoken on the stand, and said he did not believe she was a "deliberately unreliable witness."
Brown said Bohun's past history of drug abuse – she was addicted to crystal meth, but is now clean – might have contributed to issues with her memory.
A key piece of evidence from the Crown was testimony from Bohun's counsellor regarding a statement Bachman made after Bohun had disclosed the alleged abuse to her.
The therapist contacted Bachman about the accusations. He then came to her office, where he allegedly blurted out, "I touched her. I did not have sex with her."
"She (the therapist) described Mr. Bachman as apologetic and tearful," the judge stated.
However, the therapist did not question Bachman about his statement in more detail nor did she have specific records of the abuse allegations.
Brown said this "lack of early independent information" was a factor in his decision to acquit Bachman.
Bohun, who requested that her name be lifted from the initial publication ban in the case, testified that the abuse began with hugs "that went on too long" and progressed to kissing and groping on several occasions.
She said the abuse resulted in her running away from the Bachman home in 2004. She then lived in a group home until age 16, when she was able to live on her own.
Bohun disclosed the alleged abuse to her counsellor in 2006 but did not go to police until 2009, upon the urging of a boyfriend.
Speaking outside of the courthouse following Wednesday's verdict, Bohun, now 24, said that, overall, she was pleased with what the judge had to say, despite the acquittal.
"I felt like he understood where I was coming from as a victim."
She said she now plans "to close the book" on the issue and move forward with her life.
Bohun said she wanted her name to be removed from the publication ban so she could be a "voice for victims."
"I would love for other victims of sexual abuse to feel comfortable speaking about it. I want to let people know that it's OK to come out and talk about," she said.
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.
Bachman started working as a realtor in Abbotsford in 1991. He was a director of the Fraser Valley Real Estate Board from 2003-08.