A Mission man is seeking just over $55,000 in damages after his conviction for sexual assault was overturned.
Dilbagh Cheema, 55, had been convicted Nov. 30, 2015 in Abbotsford provincial court of assault and sexual assault.
He was convicted of sexual assault for allegedly kissing his tenant on two different occasions and touching her breast without her consent in 2013.
However, Cheema appealed the convictions, and they were quashed last year in the Supreme Court of B.C.
Cheema said when his lawyer made his presentation to the court, “there was no argument by the other side” and Crown told him “they would concede to it.”
Now Cheema has launched a civil lawsuit against the complainant, saying the woman made a “false accusation against him” in response to his evicting her from the basement suite she was renting from him.
The notice of civil claim was filed Dec. 3 in the Supreme Court of B.C., with Cheema seeking approximately $55,500 in damages to cover his criminal defence expenses, loss of salary and loss of employment opportunities. He is also seeking punitive damages.
Cheema said he has always maintained his innocence and is looking forward to his day in court.
The claims in the civil suit have not yet been proved in court, nor has the other party yet filed a response.