Donna Pledge

The accused was charged with sexual assault and sexual interference involving a complainant under 16.

The Crown relied primarily on the complainant’s testimony and supporting evidence from the complainant’s mother, including an alleged admission by the accused and observations of blood following the alleged assault.

The court found serious credibility and reliability concerns with both witnesses, including significant inconsistencies and the complainant’s change of the alleged date of the assault by several years.

The court held that the Crown failed to establish the allegations beyond a reasonable doubt.

The accused was acquitted of both charges.

The accused was charged with drug and firearm offences after police discovered a large-scale marihuana grow operation and a loaded rifle on his property.

The accused claimed he was held captive by two men who forced him to take responsibility for the drugs under threat of violence.

The court rejected the accused's evidence as not credible, applying the W.(D.) framework, and found that the Crown proved beyond a reasonable doubt that the accused was in sole control of the property, the drugs, and the firearm.

The accused was found guilty on all counts.