Ontario judge dismisses breach of trust charges against former Liberal MP Raj Grewal

An Ontario judge has dismissed two breach of trust charges against a former Liberal MP who had been accused of using his political office for personal gain.

Ontario Superior Court of Justice judge Sylvia Corthorn revealed her decision in Raj Grewal's case this morning, bringing an end to the criminal trial that has dragged on since last summer.

She said a reasonable jury, properly instructed, would not have been able to render a guilty verdict, and she found Grewal not guilty as a result.

Grewal’s lawyer argued in a directed verdict application last month that prosecutors did not present enough evidence to find him guilty beyond reasonable doubt.

The Crown alleged Grewal offered access to events with the prime minister and help with immigration files in exchange for large loans that went toward his gambling debt.

The former MP left the Liberal caucus in 2018 after his gambling problem became public.