Robert Miller, billionaire accused of sex crimes, makes 1st court appearance
Montreal billionaire Robert Miller appeared in court on Monday, making a rare public appearance as his lawyers argue that he is too sick to stand trial.
Miller, 81, is facing 24 charges related to sex crimes involving 11 women, most of whom were minors at the time of the alleged crimes.
He has pleaded not guilty and has denied the allegations against him.
Miller has not previously appeared in court, but on Monday, he appeared via videoconference. He wore a mask and a Boston Red Sox baseball cap and he appeared frail.
Miller's lawyers are arguing that he has advanced stage Parkinson's disease and is unfit to stand trial. They have submitted assessments from several doctors who have determined that Miller's health is poor and going to trial could worsen his condition or even prove fatal.
On Monday, the court heard from a medical expert called by the Crown.
Dr. Pierre Blanchet, a Parkinson's disease expert, testified that he met Miller for a 45-minute evaluation on May 20. He said Miller appeared frail, underweight, weak and was experiencing cognitive decline.
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