The criminal case against Montreal billionaire Robert Miller came to a halt on Tuesday as a Quebec Superior Court judge stayed sex-related charges against him.
Justice Lyne Décarie announced her decision a day after the Crown agreed with a motion by the defence that Miller, who is suffering from Parkinson’s disease, is too ill to stand trial on 24 sex-related charges involving 11 women. Many of the complainants were minors when the alleged offences occurred.
In an oral decision, Décarie said the 81-year-old’s right to a fair trial would be jeopardized if the legal proceedings continued.
“The medical evidence shows that the applicant’s poor physical health would render him unable to participate meaningfully in his events, and that the trial process would cause significant harm to his health,” Décarie said.
“The court sees no other options but to follow the suggestion of both parties and will grant the application.”
The …