A B.C. judge has ruled two Mounties were justified in their use of force to arrest a man deemed a “risk to the public.” And as Aaron McArthur reports, a defence lawyer says the case is another example of a failed “catch and release” policy when it comes to criminals
A stay of proceedings against two RCMP officers on trial this week in Yellowknife is a “complete vindication” of the officers’ actions, their lawyers say.
The trial began in territorial court on Monday. RCMP Const. Francessca Bechard and Cpl. Jason Archer were each charged with one count of assault for their use of force against prisoner Tracella Romie in 2020 at the Yellowknife detachment.
The Crown has stayed charges against two Yellowknife RCMP officers accused of using excessive force against a woman in their custody.
Prosecutor Greg Lyndon, on the third day of trial on Wednesday morning, stayed one charge of assault each against Cst Francessca Bechard and Cpl Jason Archer related to the arrest and detention of a woman at the Yellowknife detachment in October 2020.
