Woman living in fear after sexual assault suspect released on bail

A Thunder Bay woman says she's afraid to be home alone after a neighbour, who has been charged with sexually assaulting her, was released on bail.

Cristal Flamand, 21, says the assault took place while she was at her neighbour's home on York Street with her fiance for a casual drink. The couple went home and called the police, and a 33-year-old suspect was arrested the next morning and charged with sexual assault, forcible confinement and uttering threats.

The suspect spent about a week in jail before having a bail hearing last Friday at the Ontario Court of Justice.

The Crown opposed the bail request, but the justice of the peace agreed to grant his release.

Flamand says she is upset with the justice system for putting him back on the streets, especially considering that his family lives so close to her.

Crown attorney Dan Mitchell has declined to comment on the case.

The suspect is scheduled to appear in court on Aug. 2.