W.W. v. His Majesty the King (41730)

The appellant was acquitted at trial of transmitting sexually explicit material to a person under the age of 16 for the purpose of facilitating the commission of either a sexual assault or the indecent act of exposing his genital organs to a person under 16 years of age for a sexual purpose. The trial judge accepted that the appellant sent sexually explicit material to a minor, but he was left with a reasonable doubt on two elements : the identity of the appellant in a sexually explicit video and the specific intent to transmit the material for the purpose of facilitating the commission of an enumerated offence. The trial judge concluded that the transmission of the material could have been “flirtation” and was left with a doubt as to whether the appellant personally intended to commit one of the enumerated offences.The Court of Appeal held that the trial judge erred in acquitting the appellant. The Crown was not required to prove the identity of the appellant in the transmitted video, nor was it required to prove that the appellant personally intended to commit one of the enumerated offences. The conduct referred to by the trial judge as “flirtation” is a tool used to facilitate the commission of sexual offences against children. In its view, but for the trial judge’s errors, the appellant would have been convicted. The Court of Appeal set aside the acquittal and entered a conviction. Argued Date 2025-11-14 Keywords Criminal Law —Transmit sexually explicit material to a person under age of 16 for purpose of facilitating commission of sexual assault or indecent act — Elements of offence — Powers of Court of Appeal — Whether Court of Appeal exceeded jurisdiction by allowing appeal and quashing acquittal under Criminal Code, R.S.C. 1985, c. C-46, s. 171.1(1)(b), because alleged errors were errors of fact — Whether Court of Appeal exceeded jurisdiction by substituting conviction for acquittal under s. 171.1(1)(b) based on its own findings of fact. Notes (Ontario) (Criminal) (As of Right) (Publication ban in case) Language Floor Audio Disclaimers This podcast is created as a public service to promote public access and awareness of the workings of Canada's highest court. It is not affiliated with or endorsed by the Court. The original version of this hearing may be found on the Supreme Court of Canada's website. The above case summary was prepared by the Office of the Registrar of the Supreme Court of Canada (Law Branch).