Regina chiropractor Ruben Manz appeals sexual assault conviction and sentence

A Regina chiropractor found guilty of sexually assaulting a patient is appealing the conviction. 

Ruben Manz was accused of sexually assaulting seven women, all of whom were his patients. 

After a four-week trial at Regina Court of King's Bench in 2024, the jury found Manz guilty on one count and not guilty on five of the counts, with the final count declared a mistrial. Manz was given a 15-month sentence to be served in the community.

He is now appealing the decision, claiming that Justice Janet McMurtry made multiple legal errors while presiding over the trial.

During the trial, Crown prosecutors argued that Manz sexually touched his clients for no legitimate medical purpose, betraying their trust in him as a medical caregiver.

Manz testified that he got his patients to fill out forms and asked for their consent before working on sensitive areas of the body, including the chest and buttocks. He also said he'd stop if patients told him they were uncomfortable.

Manz filed a notice of appeal on June 23. According to Thomas Hynes, the lawyer who drafted the appeal, McMurtry erred while instructing the jury on the use of evidence.

The notice of appeal also claims that the judge curtailed cross examination, and failed to address or correct improper conduct during the Crown's opening and closing statements.

The appeal hearing is not yet scheduled.