Jennifer Gleitman

The Crown applied under s. 486.2(2) of the Criminal Code for an order permitting a complainant in a human trafficking and procuring case to testify via closed-circuit television.

The complainant expressed significant anxiety about testifying in the presence of the accused due to past trauma.

The defence opposed the application, arguing it would infringe the accused's right to face his accuser and impede cross-examination.

The court granted the application, finding that the use of a testimonial aid would facilitate a full and candid account from the witness and enhance the truth-seeking function of the trial.

The defence brought a pre-trial motion to qualify three expert witnesses for an upcoming jury trial involving charges of attempted murder and criminal negligence causing bodily harm following a police pursuit and 'rolling block' takedown.

The court applied the Mohan and Abbey frameworks to assess the admissibility of the proposed experts.

The court denied the qualification of a ballistics expert, finding the evidence unnecessary and potentially distracting.

However, the court permitted the defence to call an expert in police training and use of force, as well as an expert in accident reconstruction, concluding that their testimony would assist the jury in understanding the chaotic scene and the context of the police actions.