Judge gives final instructions to jury in Peter Nygard's sex assault trial

The Canadian Press
Published Wednesday, November 8, 2023 5:23AM EST
Last Updated Wednesday, November 8, 2023 12:15PM EST

The judge presiding over Peter Nygard's sexual assault trial is giving his final instructions to the jury today before they begin deliberating their verdict in the case.

Justice Robert Goldstein is telling the jury that they are “the judges of the facts” in the case and that their duty is to impartially assess the evidence.

The jury heard closing arguments from the defence and the Crown yesterday after six weeks of testimony and evidence presented in court. They are expected to begin deliberating this afternoon.

Nygard, an 82-year-old former fashion mogul, has pleaded not guilty to five counts of sexual assault and one count of forcible confinement in alleged incidents ranging from the 1980s to mid-2000s.

Multiple complainants in the trial have alleged they were taken to Nygard's Toronto headquarters under pretences ranging from tours to job interviews, with encounters ending in a top-floor bedroom suite where they allege they were sexually assaulted.

Nygard denied those allegations as he testified in his own defence and said he has never done the things the five complainants have accused him of.

During cross-examination, the Crown attorney challenged statements Nygard previously made to police and in court, suggesting inconsistencies and contradictions in his remarks.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Nov. 8, 2023.