The defendants, a mother and daughter who were managers at a seafood retailer, were charged with Theft Over $5000 and Fraud Over $5000 for allegedly skimming money from the cash register between February 1, 2013, and October 8, 2013.
The Crown presented evidence of significant financial losses, surveillance camera summaries showing frequent instances of sales not being punched into the cash register, and testimony from employees regarding suspicious cash handling practices.
The defendants did not testify.
The court found that while the defendants' actions created significant suspicion, the Crown had not proven guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
The court noted inconsistencies in witness testimony, the absence of direct video evidence of money being taken, and the fact that other employees also had access to cash and failed to punch in sales.
Both defendants were acquitted on both counts.
