Former Western University professor convicted of sexual assault denied access to travel

Former Western professor Ajay Ray, convicted of sexually assaulting a colleague, has been denied permission to attend a wedding in India.

A former Western University professor convicted of sexually assaulting a work colleague has been denied access to travel abroad to attend a family wedding and visit an ill relative.

After a trial earlier this year, Ajay Ray, 65, who was chair of the university’s chemical and biochemical department was found guilty in connection with an incident in an office involving a 58-year-old woman dating back to 2016.

Ray, who has since retired, was sentenced to house arrest with restrictions and community service.

This fall he filed an application to be able to attend the wedding of a family member in India.

On Monday, Justice Michael Carnegie denied the request saying, “For a serious sexual assault offence…I find family wedding does not rise to the level of exceptional circumstances.”

Ray, who maintained his innocence throughout the trial, has filed a notice to appeal his conviction.