Former Kitchener doctor accused of sexually assaulting patients makes brief court appearance as marathon trial continues
The trial for former neurologist Jeffrey (Scott) Sloka began two and a half years ago, and it remains unclear when there may be a verdict.
Sloka is accused of sexually assaulting dozens of his female patients.
His trial, by judge alone, began in September 2021. Sloka pleaded not guilty to 63 counts of sexual assault.
There were a number of breaks between scheduled dates. Some charges were dropped during the course of the trial. When Sloka began his testimony in August 2023, he was facing 50 counts of sexual assault.
Court heard testimony from Sloka’s former patients, all women who saw him at his private neurology practice at the Kaufman Building at Grand River Hospital.
Patients described receiving breast exams, vaginal exams, or exams while inappropriately draped or completely naked.
The Crown also called an expert witness to speak on the standards for neurological care. Dr. Vera Bril told court that vaginal exams, for instance, are “far outside our standard of practice.”
In August 2023, Sloka took the stand in his own defense, saying he had reasons for conducting breast, pelvic and rectal exams on his patients.
The Crown and defence are now making their submissions to the judge, Justice Craig Parry. Sloka made a brief court appearance Thursday to discuss next steps in the case.
His lawyer, David Humphrey, says the crown has prepared approximately 1,400 pages in written submissions. The defence is in the process of preparing theirs, but says given the volume of the Crown’s submissions, it will take some time.
Sloka will return to court on May 30 for an update on where the process stands.
If you are a victim of sexual assault, help is available. The Sexual Assault Support Centre of Waterloo Region's 24-hour support line can be reached at 519-741-8633
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Three dead, two hospitalized, following collision in Fredericton: police
Three people have died and two have been hospitalized after a speeding car struck a tree and landed on another vehicle in Fredericton Sunday morning.
Amid climate change warnings, Canadians lukewarm on electric vehicles
Amid scientists' warnings that nations need to transition away from fossil fuels to limit climate change, Canadians are still lukewarm on electric vehicles, according to a study conducted by Nanos Research for CTV News.
Montreal man on the hook for thousands of dollars after a feature on his Tesla caused an accident
A Montreal man is warning Tesla drivers about using the Smart Summon feature after his vehicle hit another in a parking lot.
Madonna's biggest-ever concert transforms Rio's Copacabana beach into a massive dance floor
Madonna put on a free concert on Copacabana beach Saturday night, turning Rio de Janeiro's vast stretch of sand into an enormous dance floor teeming with a multitude of her fans.
1 person killed and 23 injured in a bus crash in northern Maryland, police say
One person was killed and 23 others were injured when a bus crashed early Sunday on Interstate 95 in northern Maryland, police said.
Nylander defends Leafs' core after playoff exit, Toronto again picks up the pieces
William Nylander stood in a solemn visitors locker room at TD Garden just before midnight. The Maple Leafs had battled back from a 3-1 series deficit against the Boston Bruins with consecutive 2-1 victories - including one that required extra time - in their first-round playoff series to push the club's Original Six rival to the limit before suffering a devastating Game 7 overtime loss. Nylander's message was emphatic.
El Nino weakening doesn't mean cooler temperatures this summer, forecasters say
As Canadians brace themselves for summer temperatures, forecasters say a weakening El Nino cycle doesn’t mean relief from the heat.
‘Love has no boundaries’: Sask. couple in their 90s and 80s get married
Eighty-two-year-old Susan Neufeldt and 90-year-old Ulrich Richter are no spring chickens, but their love blossomed over the weekend with their wedding at Pine View Manor just outside of Rosthern.
Video shows gaggle of geese stopping traffic on Highway 1 near Vancouver
A mother goose and her goslings caused a bit of a traffic jam on a busy stretch of the Trans-Canada Highway near Vancouver Saturday.