Former CBC radio host Jian Ghomeshi has been acquitted on four counts of sexual assault and one of choking.

In making is ruling this morning, Justice William Horkins said the ”deceptive and manipulative” evidence of the three complainants raised reasonable doubt in Ghomeshi’s guilt.

He went on to say their evidence not only suffered from inconsistencies, but was ”tainted by outright deception.”

After the ruling, the 48-year-old Ghomeshi hugged his mother, sister and other supporters seated behind him in the courtroom.

Neither he nor his lawyer made a statement as they left court.

Outside the Old City Hall Courthouse, Crown prosecutor Michael Callaghan said he would consider the ruling over the Easter weekend when he was interrupted by a topless protester, shouting ”Ghomeshi guilty,” before being handcuffed and taken away.

The trial which began February 1, last eight days.

Ghomeshi had pleaded not guilty to all charges related to assaults that allegedly took place between 2002 and 2003.

He still faces a seperate trial in June on a single count of sexual assault.