Top court convicts man barred from cross-examination of victim by rape law

OTTAWA – The Supreme Court of Canada has reaffirmed the conviction of a man who argued that the rape law prevented him from defending himself properly.

While the court found errors in previous decisions leading to his conviction, it said no misconduct of justice had occurred.

The man known as R.V. was convicted of sexual interference with a 15-year-old girl.

To reinforce her case, the Crown has introduced evidence that she was pregnant during the alleged assault.

Lower courts have refused to allow R.V. to examine her for another sexual activity that may have been responsible for her pregnancy.

An Ontario court of appeal has ordered a new trial, but the Supreme Court said that was a mistake and sentenced R.V.