Regina, Canada – The sexual assault trial involving local chiropractor Ruben Manz, 49, is reaching its culmination at the Court of King’s Bench. As of Friday afternoon, a dozen jurors began deliberations following final instructions from Justice Janet McMurtry.
Manz stands accused of sexually abusing seven female patients during the last decade, asserting his innocence against all charges. The trial, which kicked off on November 4, has spanned nearly four weeks filled with intense testimonies from the accusers and Manz himself.
The allegations presented in court detail unwanted and inappropriate touching, with multiple women recounting similar experiences during their chiropractic sessions. Prosecutors argued that Manz exploited his role as a trusted medical professional, making his actions a gross violation of both personal and professional trust.
Throughout the trial, each woman testified that Manz had made inappropriate contact under their bras and touched their breasts under the guise of performing neck stretches. Crown prosecutor Jackie Lane emphasized that the touching had no medical justification.
In defense, attorney Kathy Hodgson-Smith portrayed her client as a dedicated family man and a professional who adheres to medical standards. Manz’s testimony included a thorough explanation of the treatments he administered, which his lawyer argues are recognized chiropractic methods.
A chiropractic expert also testified for the defense, affirming that Manz’s procedures, including the questioned neck stretches, align with accepted practices in their field. Hodgson-Smith reiterated this point, noting that the physical contacts were part of legitimate medical treatments and not driven by sexual motives.
Furthermore, Hodgson-Smith highlighted the consistency of Manz’s testimony, underlining that he did not contradict himself under cross-examination. The defense also criticized the credibility of the accusers, suggesting their narratives were influenced by the police investigation’s lead officer.
In stark contrast, the prosecution lauded the women for their courage in coming forward and firmly rejected the notion that their accounts were tainted by external influences. They posed a poignant question to the jury, questioning the type of society people want to live in if sexual assaults are left unchecked.
As the jury deliberates, the community and observers wait to see which narrative will hold more weight in the final verdict, bringing a complex and emotionally charged trial to its conclusion.
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