Michael Haaima Granted Day Off Trial Due to Health Issues

Accused serial sex predator Michael Haaima was granted a day off from his trial on September 18, 2025, due to reported physical and emotional pain. This decision came after an incident that occurred the previous day, which left Haaima with an apparent injury, as noted by presiding jurist Justice Robyn Ryan Bell. The trial, which has drawn considerable attention due to Haaima facing 98 charges including sexual assault and human trafficking, was initially scheduled to resume at 10 a.m. but was delayed for over thirty minutes.

Upon entering the courtroom, legal teams for both the Crown and defense left to discuss the situation. Defense attorney Natasha Calvinho requested an adjournment, citing her client’s inability to participate fully due to his condition. Haaima was seen with a bruise on the right side of his head, raising questions about the circumstances surrounding his injury.

Calvinho expressed concern for Haaima’s well-being, stating, “He’s still in a great deal of pain, both physically and emotionally.” She emphasized that he did not feel capable of actively participating in his trial. In contrast, Assistant Crown attorney Megan Williams voiced strong opposition to delaying the proceedings, arguing that the Crown has already experienced numerous adjournments at the defense’s request.

Williams highlighted the impact on witnesses, noting that one alleged victim had been required to appear at the courthouse to testify for three consecutive days. “We are literally bleeding court time in this case,” she asserted, stressing the need for the trial to progress. Despite her concerns, Justice Ryan Bell ultimately ruled in favor of the adjournment, hoping that the trial could resume the following day.

As Haaima was escorted from the courthouse to an Ontario Provincial Police transport vehicle, he declined to comment on the nature of his injury. Inquiries made by Kingstonist to the Kingston Police and the Ontario Provincial Police regarding the incident were met with limited information, particularly concerning Haaima’s transport and conditions at the Quinte Detention Centre, where he is currently held.

Brent Ross, spokesperson for the Ministry of the Solicitor General, stated that the ministry could not disclose private health information regarding inmates. He reiterated this point when asked whether any violent altercations had occurred at the detention center, stating only, “The ministry has nothing further to add to our previous statement.”

The trial, which began over three months ago on May 29, 2025, is expected to continue into 2026. As developments unfold, Kingstonist will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates as more information becomes available.