R. v. J.A.

The accused, J.A. was charged with one count of domestic assault and one count of assault causing bodily harm. At the time of the alleged assault J.A. was in an eight month long romantic relationship with the complainant, a woman he had known for seventeen years. It was alleged that he and the complainant got into a verbal argument that escalated, during which the complainant attempted to leave. It was alleged that J.A. then grabbed her by her shoulders, shaking her, eventually pushing her to the ground and punching her in the face. He then placed her in a bear hug preventing her escape. J.A. maintained his innocence throughout the ordeal. According to him, the complainant had acted vindictively. She had fabricated the alleged assault to punish him for ending their relationship.  Jonathan Pyzer represented J.A. in the Ontario Court of Justice and was successful at having all of the charges against him dismissed. The defence was able to exploit the lengthy delay for the accused’s benefit. As well, the defence marshaled a great number of witnesses demonstrating to the court that the complainant was untruthful in her statement to the police regarding J.A.’s actions.