Second lawsuit filed against Robert Dawson estate

WARNING: Some details in this story may be disturbing

A second alleged victim of a former Winnipeg hockey coach and lawyer is suing his estate for physical and sexual abuse.

The man, identified in the lawsuit as John Doe, filed a subpoena against Robert Dawson’s estate in March 2024.

CTV News Winnipeg previously reported that Dawson was charged in September 2021 with historical sexual assault, along with child pornography offenses. Following the charges, Dawson was found dead in a St. James-area hotel in October 2021. The indictment stated that Dawson committed suicide.

John Doe is seeking a publication ban and a sealing order regarding his identity.

According to the summons, John Doe met Dawson in 2008, when the plaintiff was 17 years old.

Dawson knew the teen was interested in studying law and offered to help him earn a law degree and pursue a career.

The claim alleges that in 2009, Dawson convinced John Doe to move into his home with the promise of rent-free living. However, after he moved in, the claim says Dawson reneged on his earlier promise and insisted he engage in certain sexual activities in lieu of paying rent.

According to the claim, Dawson physically and sexually abused John Doe from 2009 to 2010. The claim says this included forcing him to remove his clothing in front of Dawson; locking him in a cage for hours at a time and refusing his requests for release; forcing him to wear a ball gag; tying him to a support beam; fondling John Doe’s genitals and hitting him; photographing and videotaping him while he was in the cage and tied to support beams; and forcing him to wear a lock and collar in public.

Dawson also claims that he had John Doe make statements about his role as Dawson’s slave while he was tied to the support beam.

The plaintiff claims he did not consent to these sexual assaults and that Dawson told him no one would believe his word, regardless of that of a reputable attorney.

Now John Doe is seeking damages from Dawson’s estate.

No statement of defense has been filed. None of the claims have been proven in court.

CTV’s News Winnipeg previously reported that an Ontario man was suing Dawson’s estate over allegations of repeated sexual abuse. The newspaper confirmed that the lawsuit was filed by a different victim.

A 24-hour sexual assault crisis line can be reached by phone at (204) 786-8631 or toll-free at 1-888-292-7565. Additional support for survivors of sexual assault can be found through Klinic Community Health’s Sexual Assault Crisis Program.

– With files from Danton Unger of CTV.