Charges dropped against Quebec theatre owner and 'Dragons' Den' star Vincenzo Guzzo

Quebec's prosecution service says it has stopped proceedings against a prominent Quebec theatre owner who had been facing criminal charges. A sign indicating a Cinema Guzzo movie theatre is seen in Montreal, Tuesday, June 27, 2023. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Christinne Muschi

MONTREAL - Quebec's prosecution service says it has abandoned criminal charges against Vincenzo Guzzo, CEO of a large independent movie theatre chain and investor on CBC Television's "Dragons' Den."

Service spokeswoman Patricia Johnson says new evidence has led prosecutors to doubt whether there is a reasonable chance of conviction.

Guzzo, the CEO of movie theatre chain Cinemas Guzzo, had been charged with criminal harassment and breach of condition.

In a written statement, Guzzo thanked those who supported him, especially his five children, through what he described as a "difficult period."

He says the complaint that led to his arrest took place in the context of a family dispute.

Following his June arrest, Guzzo had said the matter was related to himself, his wife and their lawyers.

This report by ´ºÉ«Ö±²¥was first published Dec. 4, 2023.

Note to readers: This is a corrected story. A previous version misspelled "Dragons' Den."

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