A Victoria care home aide walked free from court Monday, moments after he was cleared of several charges of sexually abusing elderly and disabled patients.
Amado Ceniza, 40, was charged with six counts of sexual assault and exploitation of a person with a disability in relation to alleged crimes against three women last July at Aberdeen Hospital.
The women had testified that Ceniza groped and kissed them without their consent. All three women are elderly and have mobility issues, two relying on wheelchairs, and another who uses a walker.
Judge Dwight Stewart said Monday that there were concerns about collusion between alleged victims in the case, whether intentional or not.
The judge also found inconsistencies in testimony about the chronology of events and descriptions of the alleged perpetrator.
Ceniza pleaded not guilty to the charges and denied the allegations throughout the trial.
Stewart applauded the women for their bravery during the trial and said greater attention will be paid to these cases because of their advocacy.
The judge did find that there was a probability that Ceniza tried to hug and kiss two of the complainants, and found his conduct to be highly unprofessional.
