Crown agrees Robert Miller, billionaire accused of sex crimes, unfit to stand trial

The Crown has recommended to a stay of proceedings in the criminal trial against Robert Miller, the billionaire accused of sex crimes. Miller's defence team had argued he is unfit to stand trial due to his declining health.  

A medical expert called by the Crown testified Monday that Miller is in poor health and is unable to travel to and from the court house.

Superior Court Justice Lyne Décarie is expected to rule Tuesday on whether to grant a stay.

Now that the Crown and defence have agreed that Miller is unfit to stand trial, a stay of proceedings is the most likely outcome.

Miller, 81, is facing 24 charges related to sex crimes involving 11 women, most of whom were minors at the time of the alleged crimes. He has pleaded not guilty and has denied the allegations against him. 

Miller had not previously appeared in court, but on Monday, he appeared via video conference.

He wore a mask and a Boston Red Sox baseball cap and looked frail.

Dr. Pierre Blanchet, a Parkinson's disease expert, testified that he met Miller for a 45-minute evaluation on May 20.

He said Miller was frail, underweight, weak and was experiencing cognitive decline. 

Lucas Bastien, a spokesperson for Quebec's Crown prosecutor's office, said an analysis by the Crown's expert found that "moving Mr. Miller daily for a trial would not be feasible under the circumstances."

Miller's lawyers had argued that he has advanced stage Parkinson's disease and is therefore unfit to stand trial.

They submitted assessments from several doctors who determined going to trial could worsen Miller's condition or even prove fatal.