Sexual assault by former Western University department chair 'left deep scars,' victim tells court

Warning: Story contains graphic language and disturbing content. 

A London courtroom heard an emotional victim-impact statement Wednesday in the case of a once-esteemed Western University professor convicted in November of a workplace sexual assault against a woman he supervised. 

The woman, a lab technician who cannot be named due to a publication ban, told the court of long-lasting physical, emotional and psychological damage after an assault by Ajay Ray, her boss and former chair of university's department of chemical and biochemical engineering. 

Ray was convicted of forcibly penetrating the woman's vagina with his fingers in an assault that happened in the victim's office at the university on July 19, 2016. 

'I felt shattered and powerless'

The woman, a married mother, told the court the assault has left her with severe and long-lasting emotional trauma that has affected every aspect of her life.

"I felt completely shocked, unable to move or defend myself," she said about the assault. "I felt shattered and powerless."

The woman, who gave her statement by video link from a separate room in the court building, said the assault has taken away much of the joy in her life. 

"I have become a shadow of the woman I once was," she told the court. "The sexual abuse and assault have left deep scars on my mind and soul affecting every part of my life. It makes it difficult for me to trust, feel safe and see a future free of pain.

"I was a respected professional at the height of my career, the workplace was my source of pride. I was valued and respected. The assault changed everything. The environment has become toxic and hostile." 

The woman's husband also gave a victim-impact statement telling the court that since the assault, his wife often awakens from nightmares and cries out in terror. 

"I am powerless to erase the pain this has caused her," he said. 

Crown seeks 18-month jail sentence

The victim-impact statements form part of the submissions Justice Spencer Nicholson will consider in sentencing. 

Assistant Crown attorney Shane Wright told the court he's seeking a jail sentence of 18 months and two years probation for Ray, who is 64 and has no prior convictions. 

Wright argued that a jail sentence is appropriate because Ray was in a position of power over the victim.

Ray's lawyer Stephen Troyer argued for a conditional sentence of two years less a day, which would mean Ray would serve his sentence with home monitoring. Troyer also pointed to more than 50 letters of support submitted for Ray, including some written by work colleagues and students.

Toyer told the court heard that Ray was "forced to voluntarily retire" from his position at Western after the conviction, ending a distinguished career in teaching and research that included numerous awards for his work in the field of bio chemistry.

Professor Kenneth S. Coley announced Ray's retirement effective Dec. 13, 2024, in an email sent to colleagues which did not mention his conviction that happened the month before.

"I also take this opportunity to recognize Ajay's contributions to the Faculty of Engineering, the Department of Chemical and Biochemical Engineering, and the broader field of Chemical Engineering, over a career of almost 20 years at Western," Coley's note said. 

Western University declined to comment on matters concerning current or former employees but in an emailed statement to CBC News, said its thoughts are with the victim. 

"First and foremost, our thoughts are with the survivor and the trauma she has endured.  Western has no tolerance for sexual violence. All members of the University community must have the ability to work, learn, and live in an environment free from sexual violence," wrote spokesperson Stephen Ledgely. 

The court heard that Ray continues to maintain his innocence and intends to file an appeal of his conviction. 

Ray is due to be sentenced on April 10.