The accused applied for a stay of proceedings under s. 24(1) of the Charter, alleging a violation of his s. 11(b) right to be tried within a reasonable time.
The accused faced multiple charges, including sexual assault and criminal harassment, spanning a 14-month period.
The total delay from arrest to trial was approximately 16.5 months.
Applying the Morin framework, the court found 10 months and 16 days of institutional delay, slightly above the 8-10 month guideline.
However, balancing the societal interest in trying serious charges on their merits against the minimal prejudice suffered by the accused, the court concluded the delay was not unreasonable and dismissed the application.
