The accused was charged with aggravated assault against his domestic partner following an incident on Canada Day 2017.
The complainant had discovered evidence of infidelity and engaged in escalating physical assault throughout the evening, including pushing, punching, and throwing the accused's property out a window.
When the complainant approached the accused with a threatening demeanor, he punched her in the face, causing a broken nose, orbital bone fracture, and facial lacerations requiring stitches.
The court found that while the accused had reasonable grounds to believe force was being used against him and was entitled to act in self-defence, the force used—a closed-fisted punch to the face—was unreasonable and excessive in the circumstances.
The accused was found guilty of aggravated assault.
