Judge finds Linkie guilty

City bus driver Michael Linkie has been found guilty on two counts of sexual assault.

Justice Paul Rivard delivered his verdict this morning in the Superior Court of Justice.

BayToday.ca correspondent Bill Tremblay reports that Rivard stated he believed the complaintant in the case, who is mentally challenged, and whose name cannot be mentioned due to a court-ordered.

"I found the complainant’s testimony to be truthful and convincing," Justice Rivard stated

Tremblay also reports Rivard stated he didn't believe Linkie because his testimony seemed prepared and that he appeared too laid-back in delivering it.

"The evidence given by Mr Linkie was well planned and he appeared calm, soft spoken and had a smile on his face during his testimony," Justice Rivard stated.

Linkie was immediately taken into custody, Tremblay reports, because Crown attorney Francis Howe said the complainant feared for her safety.

"I see no reason why the imprisonment should not start right now," Justice Rivard stated.

Howe, Tremblay reports, stated to Rivard that she believes a sentence of three to five years would be appropriate.

Justice Rivard will deliver his sentence May 18 following a pre-sentence report.

Defence lawyer Andrew Perrin said an appeal is already being considered.

"And we’ve asked to review the reasons for judgment," Perrin told Tremblay.

BayToday.ca will have more on this story later on today.

With files from Bill Tremblay