Following a judge-alone criminal trial arising from the operation of an escort service, the court convicted the accused on numerous human trafficking, procuring, obtaining sexual services for consideration, sexual assault, material benefit, advertising, and breach charges.
Applying a trauma-informed approach, the court accepted the evidence of several complainants describing coercive control, threats of exposure, exploitation of addiction, manipulation of work opportunities, and sexual access demanded by the operator of the business.
The court also admitted count-to-count similar fact evidence under the Handy framework, finding significant probative value that outweighed any prejudice in a non-jury trial.
The court acquitted on some trafficking and procuring counts where the Crown had not proven the necessary exploitation or control beyond a reasonable doubt.
