Statement from Brian H. Greenspan and Robin K. McKechney Counsel to Lucas Piazon

TORONTO, January 26, 2016 /PRNewswire/ --

Charges Against Lucas Piazon Withdrawn 

On October 29, 2015, the Toronto Police Service announced a charge of sexual assault against Lucas Piazon, an internationally admired football player, who had played for Brazil's bronze medal team in the Toronto Pan-Am Games in July. The alleged incident had taken place shortly after the Games had concluded.

This unsupportable and irresponsible allegation by Toronto Police wrongly and unfairly tarnished Mr. Piazon's unblemished reputation. Prior to the announcement the police knew that today's decision to withdraw the charge was inevitable.

The decision to withdraw the charge - on the basis that there was no reasonable prospect of conviction - reflects the thorough and professional examination of this matter by senior and experienced Crown prosecutors. The Crown's guidance had been sought - but clearly ignored - by the police prior to their October press conference.

It is both regrettable and unacceptable that the police chose to disregard the balanced and fair-minded assessment made by the Crown, and to defiantly proceed to announce charges when the conclusion had been reached that the evidence could not justify a trial.

As Counsel for Mr.Piazon, we wish to express our appreciation to the Crown for the principled and professional manner in which it has exercised its responsibilities.

Brian H. Greenspan
Robin K. McKechney

James Deeks, Primary Counsel Group Inc., 416-689-8421, jdeeks@primarycounsel.com