Gregory Alan Elliott not guilty in Twitter harassment case

A man charged with criminal harassment over his dealings on Twitter with two Toronto women's rights activists has been found not guilty.

Gregory Alan Elliott was accused of harassing Stephanie Guthrie and Heather Reilly over several months in 2012.

The two activists testified at the trial that they believed Elliott kept tabs on them and their whereabouts through social media, even after they blocked his account.

Elliott's lawyer, Chris Murphy, instead characterized the Twitter interactions — which escalated and saw both sides trade barbs — as "an ugly political debate."

Murphy said his client never threatened or made sexual comments at the women.

Upon delivering the verdict, the judge noted the Crown was required to prove Elliott knew he was harassing the women, and that they were reasonably fearful from that harassment. 

Elliott had to know he was criminally harassing the women for the charge the stick, the judge said. 

Observers said it is believed to be the first criminal harassment case in Canada involving Twitter.

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