Gilbert trial to begin March 17
The trial of Parker Gilbert ’16 is scheduled to begin on March 17 and last for around two weeks, according to a court assistant at the Grafton County Superior Court. The Court held jury selection on Monday morning, at which time the dates for the case were finalized.
Gilbert has been charged with seven counts of aggravated felonious sexual assault against a female undergraduate student, as well as one count of criminal trespass. Gilbert was also originally accused of two charges of simple assault, but the Court dismissed these charges on Feb. 25. All of the charges in this case apply to a single victim.
In August, Gilbert pleaded not guilty to seven counts of aggravated sexual assault.
Hanover Police arrested Gilbert in his room on May 15, 2013. The cause for his arrest was the alleged rape of a female student in her unlocked dorm room early on May 2.
At the time of his arrest, Gilbert was charged with four counts of aggravated sexual assault.
After his arrest, Gilbert was arraigned at the New Hampshire 2nd Circuit Court in Lebanon, and bail was set at $75,000. He was later transferred to Grafton County jail in North Haverhill.
Gilbert posted bail in May, after the London native was required to turn over his British passport and remain in the state of New Hampshire. He was permitted to leave the state only for attending medical and counseling appointments in Massachusetts and Vermont, the Valley News reported.
If convicted, Gilbert could serve up to 20 years in prison for each count of aggravated felonious sexual assault.
In October, one of Gilbert’s defense attorneys filed notices that said Gilbert’s defense counsel may rely on an intoxication defense in the trial, arguing that Gilbert was not in the mental state required to be culpable for committing the offenses, the Valley News reported.
During the trial, there may be an on-site jury view of the two-room double where the alleged assault took place, the Valley News reported.
Gilbert, a former member of the men’s rugby team, is no longer enrolled in classes or activities at the College.
Editor's note (June 15, 2014): Gilbert was acquitted of all charges on March 27, 2014. For a full story, clickhere.
