The accused was tried on child sexual offence charges arising from allegations by the complainant, who was between seven and nine years old during the charge period.
The court reviewed the governing principles on reasonable doubt, the distinction between credibility and reliability, and the assessment of child witness evidence.
Although the complainant adopted a video-recorded statement admissible under s. 715.1 of the Criminal Code, the court found material internal and external inconsistencies going to the essence of the allegations, concerns about plausibility, and a possible motive to fabricate in the context of unsafe living conditions and a desire to remain with the complainant's father.
The Crown failed to prove the charges beyond a reasonable doubt, and the accused was acquitted.
