Final arguments underway in trial of Regina chiropractor accused of sexual assault

Final arguments are underway in the trial of a Regina-based chiropractor accused of sexually assaulting seven women under his care over a span of a decade.

Ruben Manz, 49, has pleaded not guilty to the charges at  Court of King's Bench in Regina, where the jury trial began on Nov. 4. Justice Janet McMurtry is presiding.

During the nearly four-week trial, the jury heard from both Manz, who testified in his own defence, and the women who accuse him of assaulting them.

During opening arguments, prosecutor Jackie Lane told court that Manz would reach under the patients' bras and touch their breasts while stretching their necks.

Lane argued Manz had access to the women as a trusted medical caregiver, and he betrayed that trust by touching them sexually without their consent, and without legitimate medical purpose.

As closing arguments began Wednesday afternoon, the defence, led by lawyer Kathy Hodgson-Smith, told the jury that Manz is a family man who loved his job and always acted appropriately as a chiropractor.

Hodgson-Smith pointed to his willingness to break down details of the medical reports of the witnesses during the trial.

Manz was asked on numerous occasions to define terminology, and explain to the court the process of a regular chiropractic appointment.

The defence has argued the type of neck stretch Manz performed is part of legitimate chiropractic treatment, and that he performed the stretch appropriately and did not purposely touch the witnesses' breasts for a sexual reason.

A chiropractor brought in earlier this week by the defence as an expert witness said that Manz followed the industry standard of care in regard to consent, diagnosing, treatment and record keeping.

"It was all legitimate chiropractic treatment," Hodgson-Smith told the jury Wednesday.

She also said Manz remained consistent under cross-examination, without contradictions in the facts he presented.

The defence used his detailed accounts to dispute some of the testimony of the witnesses.

Hodgson-Smith questioned the reliability and credibility of the seven women who testified.

She said recollections presented in their testimony contradicted the evidence presented. She also questioned the accuracy of the testimony, considering for many of the witnesses, the events took place years ago.

The defence is expected to wrap up their final arguments on Thursday, followed by the Crown's final arguments.

The jury will then be sequestered to make their final decision on Nov. 29.