The accused was placed on probation with a condition to attend and complete the P.A.R.S. (Perpetrators of Abuse Rehabilitation Services) program.
He was rejected from the program because he refused to acknowledge his guilt for the underlying domestic violence offence.
The Crown charged him with breach of probation.
The court found the accused not guilty, holding that it is inappropriate for the state to force an individual to admit guilt, as this would violate Charter protections of freedom of thought and expression.
The court reasoned that programs designed to assist abusers must be able to accept those who deny the abuse, as these individuals may be those most in need of assistance.
