The accused was charged with driving while disqualified contrary to section 259(4) of the Criminal Code.
The Crown alleged that the accused was the driver of a Chrysler 300 vehicle observed on Upper Gage Avenue in Hamilton on March 23, 2018.
The accused admitted he was a disqualified driver but denied operating the vehicle, claiming his friend Richard Bound was the driver.
Two police officers testified they observed the accused driving the vehicle, while the accused and his friend testified the friend was driving.
The court found significant credibility issues with the police evidence, including inconsistencies in their testimony, evasiveness during cross-examination, and implausible explanations regarding the vehicle search and decision not to tow it.
The court acquitted the accused, finding reasonable doubt as to who was driving the vehicle.