(rdnewsNOW file photo)

By rdnewsNOW staff

survivor speaks out

Former rodeo athlete gets nearly four-year jail sentence for Red Deer assault

Apr 25, 2025 | 4:34 PM

Cody Robert Lane, a now 29-year-old man who’d supposedly become well-known on the rodeo circuit in Alberta and Saskatchewan, has been given a 45-month jail sentence for sexual assault.

Lane, born in Maple Creek, Sask., was sentenced April 17 in Red Deer Court of King’s Bench for the assault, which dates back to June 20, 2020.

The victim, who was 19 at the time, and is now almost 24, spoke to rdnewsNOW, sharing that the court’s decision has given her back the voice and power she had stolen by the assailant.

Though a publication ban on the case has been lifted, rdnewsNOW has agreed to keep her identity anonymous.

“I have them back now, and I intend to use them. I’m speaking up for the women who are still silenced, still traumatized, still waiting for justice. There is nowhere near enough support for survivors of sexual assault,” she said.

jaydyn lovelace

Man arrested for second time in a month after alleged attack in Gasoline Alley

15h ago

Community Message

Mayor Jefferies talks progress and hopes for the future at State of the City Address

16h ago

"rare opportunity for renters"

Rent in Red Deer up, despite Alberta topping provincial declines

16h ago

“It should not take five years of fighting to put a rapist behind bars. It shouldn’t be this hard to get justice — but until that changes, I’ll keep using my voice to advocate for the women who can’t.”

In her victim impact statement, she called the entire legal process, “excruciatingly painful.”

But what’s more, she remarked, is that multiple other survivors and others have provided her with an overwhelming number of supportive messages.

“I truly feel that I got justice for what Cody did to me — but since speaking out, this has grown beyond just my story. I feel a deep responsibility to stand up for other women like me. I don’t have all the answers, and I don’t know how to fix anything/everything that’s broken in the justice system,” she stated.

“But I know this: speaking up is a start. If my voice can help even one survivor feel seen, believed, or less alone — then it matters. And I’m not staying silent anymore.”

Alberta Justice confirms Lane must also register as a sex offender. He was given credit for six days of pre-trial custody.