Court orders new trial for man accused of spousal assault, citing mishandled "rape role-play" evidence.

The British Columbia Court of Appeal ordered a new trial for a man convicted of sexually assaulting his wife, after deciding that messages discussing a consensual "rape role-play" scenario were wrongly excluded as evidence. The trial judge had ruled the messages irrelevant, but the appeal court found they were crucial for determining if the act was consensual or if the accused mistakenly believed consent was given. The case involves unique facts where traditional notions of consent must be adapted. A new trial is scheduled.

1 month ago
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