Final arguments underway in the trial of chiropractor Regina, 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 10-year period.

Ruben Manz, 49, has pleaded not guilty to the charge in the Court of King’s Bench in Regina, where the jury is on trial started on November 4. Judge Janet McMurtry presides.

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

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

Lane argued that Manz had access to the women as a trusted medical caregiver, and he betrayed that trust by touching them sexually without their consent and for no legitimate medical purpose.

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

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

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

The defense has argued that the type of neck stretch Manz performed is part of legitimate chiropractic treatment, and that he performed the stretch properly and did not intentionally touch the witnesses’ breasts for sexual reasons.

A chiropractor called in as an expert witness by the defense earlier this week said Manz followed the industry standard of care regarding consent, diagnosis, treatment and record keeping.

“It was all legitimate chiropractic treatment,” Hodgson-Smith told the jury on Wednesday.

She also said Manz remained consistent under cross-examination, with no contradictions in the facts he presented.

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

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

She said the memories in their testimony contradicted the evidence presented. She also questioned the accuracy of the testimony, as for many witnesses the events happened years ago.

The defense is expected to complete its final arguments on Thursday, followed by the Crown’s final arguments.

The jury will then be taken into custody to make their final decision on November 29.