Leo S. Russomanno

The accused was charged with multiple offences arising from a motor vehicle accident on February 9, 2013, in which his car struck a snowmobile operated by a 16-year-old, causing serious injuries.

The trial proceeded as a blended voir dire regarding alleged Charter breaches.

The court excluded evidence obtained through unconstitutional questioning and breath samples derived therefrom, but admitted evidence of alcohol odour.

The court found the accused guilty of dangerous driving causing bodily harm, failing to remain at the scene with knowledge of bodily harm, breach of probation, and obstruction of justice, but acquitted on the impaired driving charge due to exclusion of breath samples.

The court found the accused was impaired by alcohol and that his impairment was a significant contributing cause of the collision.

Two accused were charged with drug offences arising from a police investigation of a suspected marijuana grow operation at 21 St. Clair Avenue in Ottawa on June 25, 2010.

Eneida Pino was charged with possession of cannabis marijuana for the purpose of trafficking.

Randall Scott Edwards was charged with possession of cannabis marijuana for the purpose of trafficking and unlawfully producing cannabis marijuana.

The Crown alleged that Pino removed a box containing 50 marijuana clone plants from the residence and placed it in her vehicle.

Edwards was found inside the residence during the execution of a search warrant.

Pino claimed she believed the box contained groceries and was unaware of its contents.

Edwards' defence was that the Crown failed to prove he was party to the grow operation enterprise or in possession of the marijuana.

The court found Pino guilty as charged, rejecting her testimony as incredible and finding she had knowledge and control of the marijuana for trafficking purposes.

The court acquitted Edwards, finding insufficient evidence to prove he exercised control over the grow operation or possessed the marijuana beyond a reasonable doubt.