REGINA – A Regina Chiropractor convicted of sexually assaulting a patient has filed an appeal on both his conviction and sentence, arguing that multiple errors made by the trial judge led to a miscarriage of justice.
Ruben Manz, 50, who was sentenced on June 23 to 15 months of community supervision for sexual assault, is challenging the verdict on several grounds. In his notice of appeal, Manz alleges the trial judge erred in law by restricting the defence’s ability to present evidence and cross-examine the complainant about a decision by his regulatory body. The appeal claims the judge improperly blocked defence efforts to introduce that decision as evidence and curtailed cross-examination when the complainant raised it.
The appeal also argues the judge failed to properly instruct the jury on how they could use evidence related to the regulatory body’s findings. Further alleged errors include inadequate instruction on the burden of proof, the elements of the offence, and interpretation of the evidence.
Manz also claims that the Crown’s conduct during the trial, including statements made during opening and closing submissions, was improper and contributed to an unfair trial. He says the judge failed to correct or address these issues, and should have declared a mistrial.
In addition, Manz is appealing the judge’s decision to dismiss his request for an exemption to a firearm prohibition imposed under section 113 of the Criminal Code.
Manz was charged with sexually assaulting seven female patients over a 10-year period, from 2010 to 2020. The allegations involved inappropriate touching, including claims that he pulled or touched their breasts while stretching their necks.
After a jury trial, Manz was found guilty of one count of sexual assault. He was acquitted on five other counts, and a mistrial was declared on the seventh.
The Crown argued that Manz’s conduct served no legitimate medical purpose and constituted a breach of the trust placed in him by his patients. During the trial, Manz testified in his own defence, claiming he obtained written consent before working on sensitive areas and would stop if a patient expressed discomfort.
The Saskatchewan Court of Appeal hasn’t set a date for the hearing.
-With files by Canadian Press
