N.K. was charged with nine counts of assault, including assault with a weapon, against her four children.
The trial involved testimony from the children and their father.
The court found significant evidence of collusion between the children and their father, and concerns that the allegations were exaggerated or part of a family law dispute strategy.
The youngest child's testimony revealed discussions among the children and father prior to and during the trial, including coaching and expressions of animus towards the mother.
The court found the father's testimony self-serving and unreliable.
Due to the combined effect of collusion and animus, the court was left with reasonable doubt regarding the children's evidence and found N.K. not guilty on all charges.
