The accused applied for an adjournment of his scheduled judge-alone trial on historical sexual offence charges due to severe and ongoing dental and jaw-related medical issues, including the painful growth of bone spurs following multiple tooth extractions.
The Crown opposed the adjournment, citing the impact on the young complainants and the risk of fading memories.
The court granted the adjournment, finding that the accused's significant pain and resulting inability to focus, communicate with counsel, or testify effectively would jeopardize his right to a fair trial under sections 7 and 11(d) of the Charter.
