Toronto criminal lawyer acquitted of all charges stemming from sex assault allegations

Toronto criminal lawyer Mitchell Worsoff was acquitted in early May of all charges stemming from sexual assault allegations involving a minor following a judge-alone trial.

Judge Robert Wadden of the Ontario Court of Justice said that testimony by the alleged victim at the centre of the case "had numerous shortcomings."

In his ruling, Wadden said that "unrefuted evidence" pivotal to the trial was "supportive of Mr. Worsoff's denials."

Worsoff, who testified in his own defence, was facing charges of sexual assault, invitation to sexual touching, sexual interference and uttering threats. All of the charges involve an individual who was a minor at the time, according to court records.

"My assessment of Mr. Worsoff's testimony, in the context of all the evidence I heard, I conclude that I believe him. I accept that he did not commit these offences," Wadden said, according to audio from the May 2 ruling provided to CBC News by the court.

"Mr. Worsoff, my findings [are] that you are not guilty on all charges, acquittals are entered on all charges."

Worsoff's lawyer, Donna Pledge, said that given the taint these types of allegations can have on an individual's reputation, it was important to note that the judge found "credibility issues with the complainant."

"Mr. Worsoff indicated from the outset he was innocent," Pledge said in an interview. "It's been a long time coming."

The publication ban on the alleged victim's name was removed last September at the request of the Crown on the individual's behalf. CBC News is not naming the alleged victim.