WARNING: This article may affect those who have experienced sexual violence or know someone affected by it.
Canadian military police tampered with evidence, showed bias and acted beyond the scope of their jurisdiction during an investigation, with the misconduct “so egregious” that an Ontario Superior Court judge stayed assault and sexual assault charges against an active member of the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF).
In a decision earlier this month, Ontario Superior Court Justice Cynthia Petersen of Brampton said that a stay was a “drastic” but necessary measure in the case because the actions by military police ultimately breached the member’s Charter rights not to be deprived of his liberty and security of his person except in accordance with principles of fundamental justice.
The decision was issued just days before jury selection and the trial of the active CAF member, who faced four counts of sexual assault and one count of …