Topless swimmer leaves jail on bail

A Regina woman who was charged after swimming topless in a public pool was released without condition Wednesday pending her trial.

Evangeline Godron, 64, was in jail since Monday night when Regina police arrested her at Wascana Pool after employees complained.

She appeared in court Wednesday for a bail hearing after she was charged with two assaults and one mischief, all stemming from her refusal to leave the pool.

Judge Diane Morris turned down the Crown's request to release Godron on condition she not return to the pool.

Godron, a great grandmother, said she was prepared to stay in jail until her next court appearance on Sept. 2 if any conditions were attached to her release.

Although she gained her freedom, she hasn't decided if she will take another topless dip in a public pool.

"I think I will, but I'm not sure because I'm pretty tired right now," she said. "Spending two days in jail was quite an adventure for me."

On July 22, Godron and Kathleen Rice were acquitted of creating an indecent exhibition after a provincial court judge ruled they did not create any harm or disturbance when they suntanned topless in Victoria Park last summer.

Godron was joined by two other women on Aug. 1 in a topless swim at Wascana Pool.

Her lawyer James Rybchuk said his client believes the charges against her are unfounded, and the pool staff and police had no right to ask her to leave.

"She doesn't think she has done anything wrong," Rybchuk said.


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