The accused was charged with attempted murder, arson causing bodily harm, aggravated assault, failing to stop for police, and arson of a dwelling after dousing individuals with gasoline during a violent altercation.
The court rejected the accused’s testimony under the R. v. W. (D.) credibility framework and accepted the eyewitness evidence that the accused intentionally poured gasoline on the complainant and another individual.
However, the court held the Crown had not proven beyond a reasonable doubt that the accused intentionally ignited the complainant, noting multiple possible ignition sources and uncertainty about how the fire began.
The accused was acquitted of attempted murder but convicted of arson causing bodily harm, aggravated assault, failing to stop for police, and arson of a dwelling, as well as the included offence of simple assault relating to the second complainant.
