A former Ontario Court Justice, Paul Currie, has been found guilty of judicial misconduct following a harrowing investigation into allegations of assault and sexual assault against a former partner.
The disciplinary panel determined, based on a “balance of probabilities,” that Currie engaged in deeply troubling behavior, despite previous criminal charges of assault and assault causing bodily harm being withdrawn due to a lack of reasonable prospect of conviction.
The woman, identified only as A.A. due to a publication ban, testified to a terrifying series of events, alleging a rape in January 2023 and a violent altercation three months later that resulted in a broken wrist.
Her testimony detailed a pattern of control and intimidation, culminating in her first report to police after the wrist injury. The investigation that followed unearthed further disturbing claims.
A.A. also alleged that Currie knowingly evaded authorities when a warrant was issued for his arrest in April 2023, delaying his surrender to police for five days.
The allegations extended beyond physical violence, with A.A. claiming Currie drank alcohol while driving and attempted to influence her cooperation with the Ontario Judicial Council’s misconduct investigation through a direct appeal.
Currie, 71, who served on the bench since 2004, represented himself throughout the proceedings and vehemently denied all accusations. His defense, however, failed to convince the panel.
The four-member hearing panel unanimously concluded that five of the six allegations were substantiated, meeting the threshold for judicial misconduct. They found A.A.’s account to be credible and consistent.
In contrast, the panel noted inconsistencies within Currie’s statements and discrepancies with supporting evidence, casting significant doubt on his version of events.
The sole allegation not fully established concerned the intent behind a specific phone call to A.A., where the panel couldn’t definitively prove it was aimed at preventing her from speaking to the police.
The panel will reconvene next month to determine the appropriate penalty for Currie’s misconduct, a decision that will mark a significant moment in the province’s judicial history.
