The accused, R.S., charged with sexual assault, was self-represented.
Due to late disclosure, the trial was adjourned, bringing it perilously close to the Jordan presumptive ceiling.
During the trial, after the complainant's cross-examination by s. 486.3 counsel, the court was asked to appoint the s. 486.3 counsel as amicus curiae for the remainder of the trial, which the Crown opposed.
The court appointed amicus curiae, finding it essential to discharge judicial functions, ensure the trial concluded within a reasonable time, and address complex issues like the reception of witness evidence, potential racial bias arguments, and police investigation failures, thereby preventing further delays that could lead to a Jordan application.