A judge in Manitoba has dismissed all sexual assault charges against fashion mogul Peter Nygard in a recent ruling. The decision came after Judge Mary Kate Harvie found that Nygard’s right to a fair trial was compromised by the police’s failure to retain crucial records from investigations dating back to the 1990s.
Background on the Case
The allegations against Nygard stem from an incident that occurred in November 1993. The complainant, whose identity remains protected, accused him of sexual assault at a warehouse in Winnipeg. The Winnipeg police began their investigation of these allegations in 2020.
The Judicial Decision
Nygard appeared via video link during the court hearing in Winnipeg. His lawyer, Gerri Wiebe, filed for a stay of proceedings, arguing that the absence of investigative records hindered Nygard’s ability to mount a defense. The argument, presented in September, emphasized that the lack of documentation made it impossible to adequately challenge the complainant’s statements.
- Judge Harvie’s ruling: Charges dismissed due to violation of fair trial rights.
- Initial assault allegations: November 1993 in Winnipeg.
- Investigation launched: 2020.
Nygard’s Ongoing Legal Troubles
Peter Nygard is currently serving an 11-year prison sentence after being convicted in Ontario on multiple counts of sexual assault relating to incidents from the 1980s to the mid-2000s. He is appealing this conviction. Additionally, he faces separate charges of sexual assault and forcible confinement linked to events in Montreal between November 1, 1997, and November 15, 1998.
The recent dismissal of charges in Manitoba highlights the complexities surrounding legal proceedings in historic sexual assault cases, especially when key evidence is unavailable. Nygard’s case continues to unfold as he navigates these serious allegations and appeals against his convictions.
