Michael Connelly has been cleared of sexual assault allegations

A Calgary cardiologist has been cleared of sexually assaulting five patients.

Michael Steven Connelly was charged with sexual assault in May 2022 after a patient told police he touched her without her consent during a 2012 consultation.

Three months later, police said four more people had come forward alleging sexual assault, and Connelly had been charged with four more.

Connelly was cleared of sexual assault allegations in a ruling published online and issued on February 7.

However, Judge Allan Fradsham charged Connelly with assault for hugging and kissing a patient on the cheek without her consent.

He said whether hugs and kisses constitute sexual assault “depends in each case on whether the sexual nature of the alleged assault is apparent to a reasonable observer.”

“There was non-consensual touching and that touching constituted the offense of assault.”

On another point, Fradsham found that Connelly had a stethoscope in his hand when the accuser “pulled his shirt down.”

“This action is consistent with the proper medical procedure of palpating the apex, which may involve moving the breast,” Fradsham said.

“I am satisfied that there was consent to a medical examination which included palpation of the tip and the evidence is consistent with any touching of the breast being part of such an act.”

Fradsham said she was “suspicious” but had “reasonable doubt that there was any non-consensual touching”.

Connelly is scheduled to appear in court Thursday for sentencing on the assault charge.