The appellant was charged with tax evasion and his assets were placed in receivership.
During the trial, the trial judge took eleven months to decide a motion for a directed verdict, initiating nineteen adjournments.
The appellant applied to the superior court under s. 24(1) of the Charter, alleging a violation of his right to be tried within a reasonable time under s. 11(b).
The superior court granted a stay of proceedings, but the Court of Appeal reversed.
The Supreme Court of Canada allowed the appeal, holding that the superior court had jurisdiction to hear the application since the trial judge caused the delay.
The Court found the eleven-month delay unreasonable and held that a stay of proceedings is the appropriate remedy for a violation of s. 11(b).
