A Saskatoon police officer, Const. Steve Nelson, convicted of obstruction in 2012 after he threw away a witness statement, will be getting a new trial. During sentencing last year, Judge Hugh Harradence called the witness statement “a critical piece of evidence,” and both officers admitted tossing the statement “would be highly inappropriate.” However, the court of appeal has ordered a new trial. It said the crown had to prove the officers intended to obstruct justice above and beyond making a mistake. “A simple error of judgment or an inadequate exercise of discretion does not constitute the requisite for the criminal offence of obstructing justice,” read the appeal decision. A date for the new trial has not been set.
Related Articles
Arizona to ban people filming police officers within 8 feet
A law in the US state of Arizona will ban people from filming police officers at short distances, with possible fines or jail for those who don’t comply. Critics call the law a threat to […]
Canada mosque: Worshippers stop axe wielding attacker
Worshippers at a Canada mosque have confronted and restrained a man who was allegedly wielding an axe and attacked them with bear spray during Saturday morning prayers, police say. One worshipper knocked the axe from […]
Crime bill: Lords defeats for government’s protest clamp-down plans
The government has suffered a series of defeats in the House of Lords over its plans to clamp down on disruptive and noisy protesters. Opposition peers voted against a range of measures in the Police, […]
Be the first to comment