A high-profile trial began Wednesday for a former Calgary bar manager and owner accused of sexually assaulting five women he met through work. All the alleged offences were said to have occurred at the accused’s home. Five women say they were sexually assaulted by Grant Lee Cichacki. All their names are protected by a publication ban. The allegations span a 13-year period between 2006 and 2019. Cichacki is represented by defence lawyer Tonii Roulston. He’s the former owner of Watchmen’s Pub on 17th Avenue, but court heard he worked at several other establishments. Crown prosecutor Peter Mackenzie told the judge the five women all met the accused through working in the bar industry. The Crown says the women did not consent to sexual contact or were unconscious. One of the women testified Wednesday. She recounted running into Cichacki in July 2013 at a nightclub near the Calgary Stampede before ending up at his home in Silverado. The first witness told court she knew Cichacki through work at Boudoir Rouge. She recalled being “pretty intoxicated” and falling asleep fully clothed in his bed. She said she awoke to him on top of her as she tried to push him off. During cross-examination, the defence suggested the complainant knew Cichacki well, had even met his daughter and that any sex was consensual. Justice Nick Devlin is hearing the case. The Crown is hopeful to hear testimony from another complainant Thursday. The trial is slated to run until Nov. 6.
