A Saskatchewan woman has been found not guilty of aggravated assault after pushing her ex-fiancé down a flight of stairs, leaving him quadriplegic. The Court of King's Bench in Saskatoon ruled that the incident was an accident, not a deliberate act of violence.
Court ruling and key evidence
The judge determined that the woman did not intend to cause serious harm. Evidence presented during the trial indicated that the push occurred during a heated argument, and the fall was not foreseeable as leading to such severe injuries. The court accepted the defense's argument that the woman's actions were a spontaneous reaction, not a planned assault.
The victim, whose name has not been released, suffered a spinal cord injury that left him paralyzed from the neck down. He required extensive medical care and rehabilitation.
Background and legal context
The incident took place in 2024 at the couple's home in Saskatoon. The woman was initially charged with aggravated assault, a serious offense that carries a maximum sentence of 14 years in prison. The trial lasted several weeks, with testimony from witnesses, medical experts, and the accused herself.
The defense argued that the woman had no prior history of violence and that the relationship had been strained due to financial and personal issues. The prosecution contended that the push was reckless and demonstrated disregard for the victim's safety.
Impact and aftermath
The victim's family expressed disappointment with the verdict, stating that the outcome does not reflect the severity of the injuries. In a statement, they said, "We respect the court's decision but believe that justice was not served. Our son's life has been irrevocably changed."
The woman, who has been under strict bail conditions, was released from court. She declined to comment to reporters. The case has sparked debate about the legal standards for intent versus accident in domestic disputes.
