The appellant, J.L., appealed his conviction for sexual assault and breach of probation, alleging errors in the trial judge's credibility assessment, including undue reliance on demeanour, incorrect use of the absence of exaggeration, and misapprehension of material evidence.
He also sought leave to appeal his global sentence.
The Court of Appeal dismissed the conviction appeal, finding that the trial judge's credibility determinations were entitled to significant deference and that no reversible errors were made regarding demeanour, absence of exaggeration, or misapprehension of evidence.
However, the court granted leave to appeal the sentence, finding that the trial judge erred in principle by imposing a sentence exceeding the Crown's recommendation without first alerting the parties and providing an opportunity for submissions.
The sentence was reduced from three years and three months to three years.