Ontario criminal | Criminal Law
Charter of Rights and Freedoms
Unreasonable search and seizure [s. 8]
There was reason to question accuracy of information
Two accused, SI and SH, were subject of telewarrant. Both accused were found in separate units of same condo building, with drugs, firearms, and ammunition present. Both accused challenged validity of warrant, with SH testifying that he had no knowledge of items in apartment unit which was not his. SI did not testify. Accused moved unsuccessfully to cross-examine affiant of warrant. SH was found guilty only as to count of firearm possession, with other material not proven to be in his control. SI was found guilty on all counts. SI was sentenced to 10 years’ imprisonment, with SH being sentenced to 6 years imprisonment. Accused claimed that s.8 violation under Charter of Rights and Freedoms should have been found, by trial judge. SI also claimed that sentence was unfit. Both accused appealed from convictions. Appeal allowed. Cross-examination should have been permitted. There was reason to question accuracy of information, with affiant expressing some doubt as to contents. Proper corroboration was not present.
R. v. Shivrattan (2017), 2017 CarswellOnt 329, 2017 ONCA 23, Doherty J.A., C.W. Hourigan J.A., and L.B. Roberts J.A. (Ont. C.A.).
