The accused was charged after a stabbing outside a Toronto pub in which the complainant, an unarmed former friend, initiated the physical confrontation with a punch.
The trial focused on self-defence under s. 34 of the Criminal Code, particularly whether the accused's response in using pepper spray and then repeatedly stabbing the complainant was reasonable and proportionate.
The court accepted that force was being used against the accused and that she acted defensively, but found there was no reasonable basis to conclude her life was at risk or that others present were joining the fight.
Applying the W.(D.) and Khill frameworks, the court rejected material portions of the accused's account, found her escalation to weapons unlawful and disproportionate, and entered convictions on all eight counts, subject to later discussion of Kienapple issues.
