The accused, a lawyer, was charged with breach of trust, theft, and fraud.
A former secretary gave evidence favourable to the defence at the preliminary inquiry.
The Crown subsequently interviewed her, obtained statements, decided not to call her at trial, and refused to disclose the statements to the defence.
The trial judge dismissed the defence's application for disclosure, and the accused was convicted.
The Supreme Court of Canada allowed the appeal and ordered a new trial, establishing that the Crown has a legal duty to disclose all relevant information to the defence, subject to reviewable discretion regarding privilege, relevance, and timing.
