University of Manitoba files statement of defence in dorm room sexual assault case

The Arthur V. Mauro Residence at the University of Manitoba is seen on Oct. 25, 2024. (Jamie Dowsett/CTV News Winnipeg)

The University of Manitoba denies that it had inadequate security measures after a convicted sex offender allegedly assaulted a student in her dorm room last year, according to a recent court filing.

In October 2024, Garry Junior Edwards, 46, allegedly entered a dorm within the Arthur V. Mauro Student Residence Building on campus and attacked a woman who managed to fight him off, according to a Winnipeg police news release.

However, the university said the woman’s failure to lock her door caused the perpetrator to gain entry to her room—and not because of a security failure by the university.

“The university denies its rules, principes, or policies, … created an opportunity for the perpetrator to access the plaintiff or that it failed to implement and enforce adequate security measures on the premises,” according to a statement of defence filed in Manitoba’s Court of King’s Bench last Friday.

Several months after the incident, the woman filed a civil claim against the university for an unspecified amount in damages, alleging that the university was “negligent” and “(failed) to supervise the premises to prevent access by the perpetrator” and that she was sexually and physically assaulted as a result.

The university’s statement of defence also said that any harm caused to the woman was “solely as a result of the perpetrator’s behaviour” and was not caused by the university, denying that it owed a duty to protect the student or is liable.

“If the plaintiff has suffered loss or damage, which is denied, such loss or damages claimed are grossly exaggerated and remote and/or the plaintiff has failed to mitigate them,” according to the university’s statement of defence.

The woman claimed the attack left her with physical pain, post-traumatic stress disorder, depression, permanent disability, “loss of income earning capacity,” and withdrawal from university, per her statement of claim.

The university is calling for the woman’s claim to be dismissed with costs.

In a statement, the university said it has multiple supports and security measures in place for students, staff and faculty, but would not comment further as the case is before the courts.

CTV News has reached out to the woman’s lawyer for comment but has not heard back.