A New West man who fled the country earlier this year, pleaded guilty to one count of sexual assault last week.
The man, 52-year-old Fred Bilawey, was charged in March with one count of sexual assault stemming from an investigation by New Westminster police. Bilawey was alleged to have used a help-wanted ad posted on Craigslist to meet women, as The Record previously reported. Police say one victim came forward, saying she was sexually assaulted after responding to the ad.
After Bilawey was charged, he failed to appear at several court dates. Police determined he had fled the country, prompting investigators to issue a warrant for Bilawey’s arrest. It wasn’t until Sept. 20 that Bilawey was arrested while returning to Canada, a media release from New West police stated.
He was held in custody until his bail hearing on Oct. 6, where he pleaded guilty to one count of sexual assault. Bilawey is scheduled to appear in court on Oct. 16 for his sentencing hearing. He remains in custody at this time.
