Regina, Canada – In a pivotal court case that raises profound questions about trust and professional ethics, Ruben Manz, a 49-year-old chiropractor from the Regina area, stands accused of sexually assaulting seven female patients over a span of ten years. The trial, which has captivated public interest, is drawing to a close at the Court of King’s Bench, with Justice Janet McMurty set to instruct the jury on Friday.
Throughout the nearly month-long trial, the court heard a mix of testimonies from the accused, who took the stand in his own defense, and from the women who presented their experiences of alleged assault. These women uniformly contended that during appointments, Manz inappropriately touched their breasts under the guise of a medical procedure.
According to the presentations by Crown prosecutor Jackie Lane, Manz is accused of exploiting his position as a trusted health care provider for his own sexual gratification, lacking any legitimate medical justification for his actions. The prosecutor emphasized the betrayal of trust central to the charges.
In contrast, defense attorney Kathy Hodgson-Smith portrayed Manz as a dedicated professional and family man who adhered strictly to proper medical protocols. Hodgson-Smith suggested that the chiropractic technique used by Manz, which involves a neck stretch, was entirely appropriate and within professional standards. This point was underscored by a fellow chiropractor and expert witness who supported the defense’s stance on Manz’s adherence to industry practices concerning patient consent and treatment methodology.
The defense also took a critical stance towards the credibility of the seven accusers, suggesting their testimonies were compromised by the influence of the investigating police officer. Hodgson-Smith highlighted the consistency of Manz’s testimony, noting that he remained uncontradicted under cross-examination.
Reacting to the defense’s claims, the prosecution challenged the portrayal of the accusers as unreliable, instead commending their courage for coming forward with their allegations.
With the final arguments presented, the stage is set for the jury of twelve to deliberate on a verdict. The outcome of this trial could have significant implications for professional conduct standards in healthcare and patient trust in medical practitioners.
This report was compiled using statements and details from court proceedings and public records. The contents are presented for general informational purposes. Persons or entities seeking corrections, retractions, or to request removal of content may contact [email protected]. Note that the people, facts, circumstances, and other details reported may not be entirely accurate.