Gary Janvier's fate now rests in the hands of Justice R.W. Elson. (Nigel Maxwell/ paNOW Staff)

By Nigel Maxwell

Court proceedings

‘I wander a lot’: accused testifies at assault trial and claims self-defence

Mar 20, 2025 | 5:50 PM

A man accused of assaulting a staff member at a Prince Albert medical center claims he was looking for a warm place and a phone so he could call for help and get a ride to La Loche.

That was part of Gary Janvier’s testimony Thursday afternoon at Court of King’s Bench in Prince Albert.

In relation to a series of events that occurred on Feb. 18, 2023, the 35-year-old was charged with assault, forcible confinement, sexual assault, voyeurism, indecent exposure and possession of a knife.

Admitting to being homeless at the time of the alleged offences and having slept the previous night at the Stepping Stones shelter, Janvier also revealed he was recently released from jail.

“I wander a lot and I was curious about the city,” he said.

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After more than 20 minutes of non-sensical explanation that included references to being fed Viagra while at Saskatchewan Penitentiary to ‘make it horny,’ getting accused of being a child molester and assaulted by other inmates, and being accused of crimes so that people who owed him money would not have to pay, Janvier was brought back to the case at hand by Justice R.W. Elson.

When asked to elaborate on the incident at the medical centre, where he was accused of going into a restricted area and using his hand to cover the staff member’s mouth, Janvier claimed it was the woman who initiated contact by grabbing his sweater.

“She grabbed me by the sweater and kept screaming and screaming,” he said, acknowledging he did in fact push the woman to get her off.

Noting COVID made people more paranoid, Janvier said he decided it was best he just leave out the back door.

From there, Janvier admitted to going to GoodLife Fitness at the South Hill Mall and recalled a confrontation he had with the second complainant and being pulled away by his arm and taken back to the exit.

“Why am I being kicked out of this place and why does this person get to work out,” he said.

As per her testimony this week, the woman said when she was approached by Janvier, he was licking his lips when he made a sexual gesture. The woman also claimed that upon taking him to the door, he made two attempts to tackle her. Janvier insisted he merely fell.

“It made me feel dizzy,” he explained. “I wanted this lady to let me go.”

After the gym, Janvier then made his way down the hall to Winners where it was alleged he was in the women’s washroom and peered over a stall, making eye contact with an elderly woman who was sitting there. It was also alleged Janvier hid in the washroom for another minute before leaving and after doing so, was observed “playing with himself” while following a group of teenage girls.

Admitting to being in the women’s washroom, Janvier denied looking over a stall, said he made a mistake and left as soon as he saw another woman present.

From Winners, Janvier walked to McDonald’s, stopping briefly along the way to pick up two bags of chips that had been dropped on the ground. While later sitting at the restaurant, eating his snack and thinking about where he would sleep that night, an officer arrived and arrested Janvier.

A kitchen knife was found in his pocket.

Referring back to the alleged abuse he suffered while in jail, Janvier insisted he was carrying the knife for protection. He also insisted he went willingly with the officer without a fight.

One of the central issues of the case has been Janvier’s state of mind. On Wednesday, Justice Elson decided not to order another psychiatric assessment. Prior to cross-examination, Crown Prosecutor Jeff Summach again asked for a fitness to stand trial assessment.

Justice Elson denied the request, stating that while there were obvious mental health issues at play, Janvier could still recall names, places and events.

“I think he is an angry man who wants people to know about his background,” he said.

Closing arguments

Evan Strelioff, who was appointed by the court to assist the self-represented Janvier with legal procedures, stated Janvier should be acquitted on all charges.

He said the incident that happened at the medical centre was an act of self-defence and there was no clear evidence to show forcible confinement.

With respect to the incident at GoodLife, Strelioff noted no staff member made any attempt to stop Janvier and so he was therefore allowed to be there, and the woman was not within her right to grab him.

And lastly, referring to the incident at Winners, Strelioff said there was no proof he had any criminal intent when he entered the store or when he mistakenly entered the women’s washroom.

In response, Crown Prosecutor Jeff Summach asked Justice Elson to assess the credibility of all the witnesses, noting there were a number of internal and external inconsistencies with Janvier’s testimony.

Specifically referencing the incident at the medical center, Summach said there is no doubt he had no permission to touch the victim, muffled her attempts to scream, and had prevented her from leaving.

The trial wrapped up on Thursday and a verdict has been reserved to May 14. During Thursday’s hearing, Summach noted the Crown was no longer pursuing the allegations of sexual assault at GoodLife Fitness or the indecent exposure at Winners.

At the time of the original charges, there was also mention of another sexual assault that occurred earlier in the day. That charge was also not pursued.

Regardless of the outcome, Justice Elson noted Janvier is in need of psychiatric care and counseling.

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nigel.maxwell@pattisonmedia.com

On Blue Sky: @nigelmaxwell.bsky.social