Suspects charged in connection with UBC sexual assault appear in court

Two men charged in connection with a sexual assault at UBC made their first appearance in court on Monday.

David Singh Tucker, 28, and Yuan Zhi Gao, 23, were inRichmond Provincial Courtwhere they were given dates for their bail hearings.

Gao's hearing has been set forTuesday morning. He was ordered by the judge notto communicate with Tucker or any complainants.

Tucker, who remained mostly silent during the appearance, is scheduled tobe back in court on Wednesday.

The twosuspects will remain in custody until their bail hearings.

Both have been charged with one count of breaking and entering an apartment building onUBC'sPoint Grey campus during the early morning hours ofSaturday.

Tucker has also been charged with sexual assault causing bodily harm, forcible confinement, and robbery as well as one count ofwearing a mask with intent to commit an indictable offence.

UniversityRCMPsaid the victims and suspects were not known to each other.

It's not yet clear if Saturday's incident is related to several reports in recent months of a prowler near female residences.

In response to the arrests, UBC issued a safety alert that reminded those on campus to continue remainingvigilant about their surroundings.

With files from Farrah Merali