Hedley's Jacob Hoggard appears in court for preliminary hearing on sexual assault charges

Hedley frontman Jacob Hoggard was in a Toronto court Thursday as a preliminary hearing began to determine whether he will stand trial on sexual assault charges.

The hearing is expected to take two days.

Toronto police arrested the 35-year-old singer last summer after a four-month investigation. He's charged with one count of sexual interference and two counts of sexual assault causing bodily harm.

Investigators say the charges relate to three incidents involving a woman and a girl under age of 16 that allegedly occurred in the Toronto area in 2016.

Hoggard's lawyer told CBC News that his clientintends to pleadnot guilty.The singeris being represented by defence lawyer Ian Smith. Crown lawyers Jill Witkinand Kelly Slate are prosecuting the case.

Hoggardappeared in court Thursdayin a grey suit, clean shaven and flanked by a few supporters. Hesatat a table with his lawyers.

He made the requestfor the case to be heard by a judge and jury if it goes to trial.

Preliminary hearings, where the Crown presents key parts of evidence against an accused,are held to determinewhether or nota case will go totrial.

Witnesses at a preliminary hearing are sometimes called to give evidence, but the proceedings are covered by a publication banto ensure a fair trial.

If the court deems there is enough evidence for a trial, and the accused pleads not guilty, a date is set.

A judge can also dismiss charges if it's deemed there isn't enough evidence to support a trial.

Allegations of sexual misconduct involving Hoggard emerged before the charges were laid, which prompted Hedley to go on an indefinite hiatus.

Controversy dogged the band's last tour when it began in early 2018. Dozens of peopleused social media to accuse the Vancouver-area musicians of sexual misconduct, using the Twitter hashtag #OutHedley2K18.

Hedley fans also took to Twitter to voice support for the band in spite of those allegations, using the hashtag #IStandWithHedley.

adam.carter@cbc.ca