National News posted Nov 5, 2024 @ 04:05am by Canadian Press

Trial begins for chiropractor accused of sexually assaulting patients

A jury trial has begun for a Regina chiropractor accused of sexually assaulting seven women over 10 years while they were under his care.

Prosecutor Jackie Lane, in an opening statement, told court Monday that Dr. Ruben Manz would reach under the patients' bras and touch their breasts while stretching their necks.

Lane argued Manz was given access to the women by virtue of his role as their trusted medical caregiver.

"He betrayed that trust by touching each of them sexually and for no legitimate medical purpose," Lane said.

<who> Photo credit: 123RF </who> A file image showing a treatment table.

“Each of these women will tell you that this touching was done without their consent."

The defence had yet to make its arguments.

Manz is accused of sexually assaulting the women between 2010 and 2020. All seven complainants are set to testify, Lane said.

Court heard while the women were certain they were touched, some questioned whether the touching was part of chiropractic treatment.

“Some reacted right away, never to return to Manz’s office. Others continued to be treated by Dr. Manz, believing that the touches were medically legitimate at the time. All came forward to police,” Lane said.

“Any touch to the breast without explicit agreement to it violates sexual integrity.”

The trial was scheduled to continue this week.

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