Robert Miller, the Montreal billionaire accused of multiple sex crimes, is too sick to stand trial, Quebec Superior Court Justice Lyne Décarie ruled Tuesday.
Speaking to reporters after Décarie’s decision, chief prosecutor Dominique Potvin said that Miller has the most advanced stage of Parkinson’s disease as well as heart and respiratory problems. He needs to receive oxygen periodically and can only say a few words at a time without getting exhausted, he said.
In these circumstances, it would not be in the interest of justice to mobilize the jurors and witnesses for an indeterminate period of time without any reasonable prospect of one day being able to bring the trial to conclusion, said Potvin.
Miller was facing 24 charges related to sex crimes involving 11 women, most of whom were minors at the time of the alleged crimes which took place between 1994 and 2016.
“This should in no case dissuade victims from reporting the crimes they suffer,” Potvin said, highlighting that the filing of charges was possible despite the passage of time.
He said a stay of proceedings, which the Crown and Miller’s defence team had both previously recommended, is an “exceptional measure.”
“The victims can hold their head high in this case. They were believed and their determination was not in vain,” he said.
Miller had not previously appeared in court, but on Monday, he appeared via video conference.
Miller pleaded not guilty and has denied the allegations against him.
The 81-year-old businessman is also the subject of two civil lawsuits, including a class action with more than 50 plaintiffs which was authorized to proceed by the Superior Court. Miller is appealing that authorization and contests the allegations of the suit.
Crown attorney Delphine Mauger said those lawsuits are ongoing and that the investigation continues.
For anyone who has been sexually assaulted, there is support available through crisis lines and local support services via the Ending Violence Association of Canada database. If you’re in immediate danger or fear for your safety or that of others around you, please call 911.
