Threats: acquittal after examining the messages

Judgment of acquittal examined; unverified firmness

The situation

One allegation of threats was based on demonstrations attributed to another person and messages exchanged in a context of personal conflict.

What the decision records

The court examined the accounts and messages produced at trial. It acquitted because the alleged events were not established and the communications examined did not disclose a criminal offence.

What this helps explain

Messages should be read in full and in context. The discrepancy between accounts requires valuing the available evidence; an acquittal in this matter does not allow us to anticipate that of others.