His sexual assault trial ended Wednesday with the prosecution filing a stay of legal proceedings. This decision means that the individual no longer has any charges against him.
The third day of the trial of this former beneficiary attendant was held Wednesday at the Shawinigan courthouse. Me Vicky Belleville, prosecuting attorney, told Judge Pierre Lortie that she wanted to hold a voir dire, a step to determine whether certain elements are admissible as evidence. A video statement from two plaintiffs was part of the lawsuit’s request.
The trial was to resume at 2 p.m. with this stage, but the prosecution has meanwhile filed a stay of proceedings on all five charges brought against Jean-François Baril. The latter was accused of sexual assault against four men in the context of his former work in a seniors’ residence in Shawinigan.
Faced with this decision by the prosecution, the trial immediately ended. The individual was able to leave the courthouse a free man.
“It’s a relief on the defense side. The accused maintained his not guilty since the start of the legal process. We are very happy with the outcome. It’s a happy result for him.”
— Me Mélanie Bédard, lawyer for Jean-François Baril
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A stay of proceedings does not acquit this individual without a criminal record. Faced with a stay of proceedings, the judge cannot pronounce an acquittal, but there is no conviction against Baril.
The first witness in this case was heard on Monday at the curtain-raiser of this trial. A motion filed by the defense for the use of certain documents was discussed Tuesday behind closed doors.
The third day ended with this decision by the prosecution. The latter is not required to give the reasons supporting its position.
The Nouvelliste tried to discuss this turnaround in the situation with Me Belleville. This request was refused. By email, the DPCP states that it cannot respond to this request due to the confidential nature of the information sought.
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