Robert Wood not guilty in Elliot Lake mall collapse trial

A former engineer has been found not guiltyof two counts of criminal negligence causing death and one count of criminal negligence causing bodily harm in connection with a deadly northern Ontario mall roof collapse.

Ontario Superior Court Justice Edward Gareau delivered his rulingin the trial of Robert Woodon Thursday in Sault Ste. Marie,saying Wood's actions were "sloppy," but not criminal.

Wood, who is in his mid-60s, declaredthe Algo Centre Mall in Elliot Lake"structurally sound" two months before the building's rooftop parking deckcaved in on June 23, 2012.

Huge slabs of concrete, twisted steeland cars came crashing down, killing LucieAylwin, 37,and DolorisPerizzolo, 74,as they stoodat a lottery kiosk.

More than 20 people were injured in the collapse.

Court's decision not to 'condone'

In his four-hour ruling, Gareausaid the court's decision was not to "condone" Wood's actions in Elliot Lake, but that there was not enough evidence to support criminal negligence beyondreasonable doubt.

Wood failed to do many thingsa professional engineer should do,Gareausaid,like scraping questionable support beams, or using special equipment.

Wood was also "derelict anddishonest" for not disclosing his engineering licence suspension in 2012 to mall ownerBob Nazarian.

During his time in the witness box, Wood insisted he believed the shopping centre was structurally sound.

The defence argued thatNazarianmisled Wood on the condition of the building's numerous water leaks.

Nazarian'sevidence about the condition of the mall wasn't heavily considered in the decision. Gareau said he found the mall owner to be "defensive and argumentative" and had serious concerns about his credibility.

Gareaunoted that Aylwin's parents were present for most of the trial. He said their loss was "a terrible one," and that her death had a profound effect on the community.