A young person was charged with theft of a dirt bike valued at approximately $2,000 under section 334(b) of the Criminal Code.
The bike was stolen from the Mohawk Bay of Quinte Territory on or about September 26, 2017, and was recovered several days later in a severely damaged condition.
The Crown's case relied on testimony from witnesses who claimed the accused admitted to giving the bike to another youth.
However, the court found significant inconsistencies and credibility issues in the Crown's witness testimony, including contradictory statements about how the bike was obtained, material inconsistencies between police statements and trial testimony, and evidence of motive to fabricate.
The accused testified and denied both stealing the bike and giving it to anyone.
The court acquitted the accused, finding that the Crown had failed to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.