Ex-Quebec TV host Eric Salvail not guilty on three sex-related charges

Judge Dalmau criticized the complainant’s testimony in his written ruling that he delivered orally at the Montreal courthouse. He said Duguay “took serious liberties with the truth” and may have fabricated portions of his testimony. The judge said even if Duguay didn’t lie, the reliability and credibility of his testimony were still seriously affected.

Dalmau said he didn’t know what to believe in Duguay’s testimony. The judge said that even if he didn’t believe the accused, Salvail’s guilt had not been proven beyond a reasonable doubt. As a result, Dalmau acquitted Salvail of all three charges.

However, the judge said he was convinced that Salvail engaged in behavior that made the complainant uncomfortable or disturbed enough that he confided in his superior and his friends.

“It is likely that the behavior of the accused constitutes a certain kind of harassment,” the judge wrote. However, he didn’t have enough confidence in the testimony of the complainant to find Salvail guilty.

Salvail left the courtroom without addressing reporters.

Prosecutor Amelie Rivard told reporters it was too early for her to decide whether she will appeal. However, at first listen she said the decision appeared to be well founded in law with a detailed factual analysis.

Friday’s verdict was the second time this week a major entertainment figure in Quebec has been found not guilty of sex-related charges. On Tuesday, Gilbert Rozon, founder of the Just for Laughs festival, was found not guilty on charges of rape and indecent assault.

Rivard said she hoped this wouldn’t discourage victims from coming forward, adding that aggressors are frequently found guilty and others plead guilty.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Dec. 18, 2020.

Stephanie Marin, The Canadian Press

by The Canadian Press

Ex-Quebec TV host Eric Salvail not guilty on three sex-related charges

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