Constable Eric Shorey walks out of Police Services Act Hearing at Fairfield Inn and Suites in Belleville on Thursday October 8, 2015. (Photo: Tom Harris)
New developments have forced a delay in the assault trial against Belleville police constable Eric Shorey.
In May 2015, Shorey was charged with one count of assault relating to a domestic incident stemming from allegations that occurred in December 2014.
Wednesday, court heard how there had recently been a change in Crown attorneys handling the case. Defence attorney Leo Kinahan explained how he had been working with Crown Alan Findlay for months to get written transcripts of the victim’s video statements because they were hard to hear. Kinahan said the victim gave multiple statements to police and he has only received two of the five transcripts.
Kinahan went on to say that he just learned this week from Crown attorney Doug Brown (who is now handling the Shorey case) that two more incidents were being investigated in this matter.
Brown confirmed those incidents will not be resulting in any more charges, adding they will provide insight into the relationship between Shorey and the victim.
Justice Allan Letourneau said there was no information stating the crown made the transcripts available.
“Shorey needs those,” said Letourneau. “It’s critical information and furthermore it’s clear the crown’s focus in presenting this case has caught Shorey somewhat by surprise. Shorey needs the opportunity to investigate the nature of this and respond to it.”
Letourneau called for a management session on Thursday to decide trial dates. Six consecutive days have been suggested for the trial.
In October 2015, Shorey plead guilty to two counts of discreditable conduct stemming from criminal harassment and breach of trust convictions involving the stalking of a woman and the use of Belleville Police Service equipment to do so.
A Police Services Act Hearing ruled Shorey must resign from the BPS by February 19 or be terminated.
Shorey is appealing the decision through the Ontario Civilian Police Commission.
He remains suspended from duty with pay.
