La nature de la relation antérieure entre l’accusé et la plaignante constitue un élément pertinent à l’examen d’éléments essentiels de l’infraction de harcèlement criminel & ce que constitue un comportement répété

R. v. Ohenhen, 2005 CanLII 34564 (ON CA)

Lien vers la décision

[31] In my view, the dictionary definitions of the words "repeat" and "repeated", from which the adverbial form "repeatedly" is derived, lead me to conclude that conduct which occurs more than once can, depending on the circumstances of the case, constitute "repeated" conduct or conduct which is "repeatedly" done and the section is met. In my view, it is unnecessary that there be a minimum of three events or communications. "Repeatedly" obviously means more than once but not necessarily more than twice.

[32] While one instance of unwanted conduct can be sufficient to satisfy s. 264(2)(c) and (d), it will not be sufficient to satisfy s. 264(2)(b). More than one instance of unwanted conduct will be necessary to meet paragraph (b); however, in my view, there is not and should not be any minimum number of instances of unwanted conduct beyond this to trigger these subsections. Provided the conduct occurs more than once, in my view, the actus reus can be made out. It will be a question of fact for the trier in each case whether there has been repeated conduct. The approach is a contextual one. The trier will consider the conduct that is the subject of the charge against the background of the relationship and/or history between the complainant and accused. It is in this context that a determination will be made as to whether there has been repeated communication. On the facts of this case, it was clear that neither of the communications could be characterized as i nnocuous or accidental. In the context in which they were made, these two communications would be [page581] sufficient to constitute "repeatedly" communicating as set out in s. 264(2) (b). In my view, it was entirely appropriate for the trial judge to use the standard charge language on this point.

[33] Although not in issue on the facts of this case, trial judges should be cautious in using the standard charge language in all cases. It seems to me that defining "repeatedly" as being more than one communication is not always appropriate. In some cases, the jury will have to consider the context in which the communications were made, the intent of the accused and possibly other factors to determine whether the communications were repeatedly made or were innocuous or accidental. Perhaps a more appropriate instruction would be to advise the jury that communication that occurs more than once can constitute repeated communications depending on the context and circumstances in which they were made.