Laura Liston

The accused pleaded guilty to arson endangering life, arson by negligence, and arson causing damage to property, with multiple rolled-up charges.

Between September and October 2024, she set several fires in Ottawa in occupied buildings and commercial properties, creating significant risk to human life and causing substantial property damage.

The court imposed a sentence of 16 months custody (time served) plus 24 months probation with conditions addressing her mental health and addiction issues.

The sentencing considered the accused's Borderline Personality Disorder, substance abuse, and difficult personal circumstances, while balancing the serious danger posed by the offences.

S.D. pleaded guilty to assault causing bodily harm on her 12-year-old daughter and assault on her four-year-old son.

The Crown appealed the sentencing judge's decision to grant a conditional discharge with three years probation, arguing that the judge prioritized rehabilitation over denunciation and deterrence, and that the sentence was demonstrably unfit.

The Superior Court dismissed the Crown's appeal, finding no error in principle and that the sentence, while exceptionally lenient, was not demonstrably unfit given the unique and extensive mitigating circumstances, including the offender's mental health crisis and significant stressors.

The accused, Akram Elmuradi, was charged with sexual assault.

The defence conceded sexual activity but argued consent, explicitly not relying on mistaken belief in consent.

The case hinged on the credibility of the complainant and the accused.

The court found the accused engaged in deceitful conduct to create an opportunity for sexual activity, exploiting the complainant's trust and vulnerability as a client seeking therapeutic massage.

The complainant's testimony regarding lack of consent was accepted, and the accused's account was deemed implausible and incredible.

The court found the Crown proved beyond a reasonable doubt that the complainant did not consent and that the accused knew the sexual contact was unwanted.

The accused was found guilty of sexual assault.