David D. Hull, the former executive director of the Abbotsford Chamber of Commerce, was acquitted Monday of assaulting his former live-in girlfriend, Allison Longshore, after the two had a night of heavy drinking on May 27.

"The judge, after hearing all the evidence, was not satisfied the burden of proof had been met. The outcome was that Mr. Hull was acquitted, however, the court did apply a peace bond," said Crown counsel Rob Macgowan.

The peace bond or recognizance order is not usually applied when an individual is found not guilty, but the Crown can make a request to the court to impose one if they feel one is warranted.

"The peace bond option was available to the Crown, to make an order to essentially protect the complainant from future contact," Macgowan said.

Hull, 53, still faces a charge of breaching a no contact order that was part of his original conditions of release on the assault charge, plus a criminal harassment charge regarding a complainant from the Abbotsford Fire Department, deputy chief, emergency planning, Dean Colthorp.

Dates for trial confirmation on these matters are set for March 27, 2012.

The Abbotsford business community was sent reeling when Hull was arrested on May 28 on charges of assaulting his live-in partner, Allison Longshore, 35, the manager of sales and marketing with Tourism Abbotsford.

The popular power pair had been at the Run for Water gala on May 27 and later at a local pub before they returned to their home. Both had consumed several drinks of alcohol during the evening, which ended in a heated discussion in their home and some physical contact that led to the charge.

During the one day trial at Abbotsford provincial court, both parties were in general agreement as to the events of the night, said Hull's defence attorney Gordon Dykstra.

Where they differed was how they interpreted the physical contact, he said.

Longshore testified Hull had forced her down on a bed and straddled her. Hull said he simply placed his hands on her shoulders in an attempt to calm her down.

He didn't want her to leave because he was concerned about her safety, he said.

"It's a difficult issue for the courts to determine," said Dykstra. "When does the application of physical contact become assault? It depends on the application of, and many other factors."

In an interview after his acquittal, Hull said the outcome is bittersweet.

"I was numb and sad at the end of it. I know in my heart I did not harm her. Domestic violence is such an aberration to me, to be accused of it is very hurtful," he said.

Even though he is acquitted, Hull said he has was already "tried and convicted in the court of public opinion."

"I am a social and business pariah in this town," he said. In an emotional admission, Hull credited close friends in the business and rugby communities with getting him through periods of despair.

"It's been the darkest period of my life."

Hull was suspended from his position at the chamber of commerce in early June and he resigned later that month.

CToth@abbotsfordtimes.com