The Crown applied for an order under s. 486.2(2) of the Criminal Code to permit the complainant (A.I.) to testify remotely via closed-circuit television (CCTV) in a sexual assault trial.
The complainant, an adult, reported anxiety and PTSD symptoms.
The court dismissed the application, finding the Crown did not establish on a balance of probabilities that CCTV would facilitate a full and candid account or be in the interests of justice.
The judge noted the evidence was dated, lacked sufficient foundation, and the application was premature, emphasizing that CCTV orders are not "automatic" and require proper evidentiary support and witness preparation.
