A judge in Nova Scotia, Canada, has dismissed the sexual assault case against Mike Smith, the actor known for his role as Bubbles in the Canadian sitcom Trailer Park Boys.
The trial was scheduled to commence on Thursday in provincial court in Dartmouth. However, after the Crown stated it would present no evidence against Smith, his attorneys made a request for dismissal.
Prosecutor Bryson McDonald informed reporters that the Crown had decided to offer no evidence in relation to the charge, citing an ongoing assessment that the prosecution standard was no longer being met. McDonald declined to elaborate on the reasons for this assessment but confirmed regular communication with the complainant.
A publication ban is in effect, protecting the identity of the complainant. In a statement to CBC, the complainant indicated that the trial was dismissed because she was unwilling to testify due to concerns about her mental health.
Smith, 54, had been charged last year with sexual assault for an alleged incident in 2017. He had pleaded not guilty to the charge in February.
Following the dismissal of the charges, Trailer Park Boys Incorporated, the company behind the show, announced that Smith will resume his duties. Smith's attorney stated that his client is pleased the matter is resolved and is ready to move forward.
Trailer Park Boys, a mockumentary series set in a fictional trailer park in Nova Scotia, originally aired from 2001 to 2007 and was later revived by Netflix. A 13th season is anticipated in the coming months.