R. v. S. (G.H.)

R. v. S. (G.H.)

The Crown's evidence failed to meet the standard of proof because key witnesses' testimony was undermined by hostility, inconsistency, admitted falsehoods, possible collusion and corroboration weaknesses, leaving reasonable doubt on each of the four charges.

Source-derived case information.

Citation
2001 BCSC 766
Parties
Crown: Regina; Accused: G.H.S.
Court
Supreme Court of British Columbia
Jurisdiction
Canada
Judgment Date
25 May 2001
Procedural Posture
Criminal Assault and Sexual Assault / Trial Reasons for Judgment
Outcome
Not guilty on all four counts
Legal Topics
Assault, Sexual Assault, Publication Ban, Credibility Assessment, Delay in Reporting, Trial Judgment
Source Language
english
Criminal Law Sexual Offences Evidence Family Law Assault Sexual Assault Publication Ban Credibility Assessment +2 more

Source-derived case record

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Parties

Regina

Crown

G.H.S.

Accused

Procedural Posture

Criminal Assault and Sexual Assault / Trial Reasons for Judgment

Legal Issues

  1. 1 Whether the accused committed the alleged assaults and sexual assaults
  2. 2 Whether the Crown proved the charges beyond a reasonable doubt
  3. 3 Assessment of witness credibility and possible collusion or fabrication

Ratio Decidendi

The Crown's evidence failed to meet the standard of proof because key witnesses' testimony was undermined by hostility, inconsistency, admitted falsehoods, possible collusion and corroboration weaknesses, leaving reasonable doubt on each of the four charges.

Court Disposition

Not guilty on all four counts

Orders

  • Ban on publication of any information identifying the complainants under s.486(3) Criminal Code
  • Accused acquitted on Counts 1 to 4 (entered verdicts of not guilty)