Nicole Vachon

The Crown sought to commit the accused to trial on several charges, including attempted murder, aggravated assault, and discharging a firearm with intent, arising from a home invasion robbery.

The preliminary inquiry judge found sufficient evidence to commit the accused to trial on the charges of robbery, break and enter, aggravated assault, and discharging a firearm, based on party liability.

However, the judge discharged the accused on the attempted murder charge, finding no evidence that the accused was the shooter or had the requisite subjective intent to kill.

The accused was charged with sexual assault and sexual interference against a 13-year-old complainant whom he met in downtown Ottawa.

The accused argued that the complainant fabricated the events to avoid punishment for skipping school and shoplifting, and alternatively raised the defence of mistaken belief of age.

The court found the complainant's evidence credible and reliable, rejecting the defence's arguments regarding inconsistencies and motive to fabricate.

The court also found the accused failed to take reasonable steps to ascertain the complainant's age.

The accused was found guilty of both charges, with a stay to be entered on one conviction.