Mark Anthony Thompson was charged with two counts of failing to comply with a release order, specifically being out of his residence without a surety.
The defense raised the *de minimis non curat lex* argument and challenged the *mens rea* for recklessness.
The court acquitted Thompson on the second count, finding the Crown failed to prove recklessness beyond a reasonable doubt, as Thompson was acting under the direction of his surety.
However, for the first count, the court rejected the *de minimis* defense, considering the seriousness of the underlying manslaughter charge, the strictness of the bail conditions, and Thompson's deliberate, albeit well-intentioned, decision to breach the order.
Thompson was convicted on the first count.