The trial for Richard Dow took an unexpected turn Tuesday afternoon with the former Winnipeg police officer changing his stance and pleading guilty to 11 counts of sexual assault.
The case centred on 20 victims over a period ranging from 2000 to 2005 and involved charges for sexual interference and sexual assault.
The oldest victim was 23 while the youngest was 17.
Dow ran a side modelling business while previously working as an officer.
Most victims were assaulted at photo shoots at Dow's home.
On Monday, he had entered not guilty pleas for 27 counts, but that was changed Tuesday.
Along with pleading guilty to 11 counts of sexual assault, he also pleaded guilty to a count of assault.
Other charges against Dow were stayed.
On Tuesday, court heard how one of the victims said she was frozen with fear and felt helpless. Court also heard how Dow told one girl's mother not to worry, suggesting her daughter would be safe with him as he was a police officer.
In a separate sexual assault case, Dow was found not guilty last week by a jury.
Dow remains free on bail but has court conditions in place, including not to have any contact with his victims.
Sentencing is set for August 24 on the counts Dow pleaded guilty to in court Tuesday.
Dow's lawyers have said they will be asking for a conditional sentence, while the Crown wants penitentiary time.
The maximum sentence for each individual sexual assault count is 10 years behind bars.
- with a report from CTV's Stacey Ashley
