A man accused of groping a 12-year-old White Rock boy has been acquitted of all charges in connection with the February 2014 incident.
Alex Ejsmont – who defended Robert James Antoniak – shared the ruling with Peace Arch News Thursday afternoon, shortly after the court proceedings wrapped up.
"My client waited a year of his life to have his day in court," Ejsmont said by email. "Thankfully justice was served."
Prosecutor Adam Jantunen said Judge Melissa Gillespie made the decision after finding that Crown "had not proven the offenses charged beyond a reasonable doubt."
She cited "inconsistencies between the complainant's evidence in court and his statements to police," Jantunen said.
Antoniak was charged after the boy, who is now 14, alleged his "private parts" were groped through a blanket by a visitor at his White Rock home.
The boy's father told PAN Friday morning that he was "really disappointed" with the verdict.
"I don't know how I'm going to tell (my son)."