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.

The prosecution, the judge said, “failed to call any evidence let alone some evidence which supports the Crown’s theory that Constable Buchanan was operating his motor vehicle as charged.”

The Independent Investigations Office of B.C. keeps shooting itself in the foot when it comes to its relationship with provincial police agencies. Two years ago the IIO recommended charges against RCMP Const. David Buchanan after his “slow-speed pursuit” of an unlicensed moped being driven erratically by a suspected thief breaking curfew on probation for other crimes. The incident occurred Feb. 20, 2016.

A BC Provincial Court Judge acquitted Const. David Pompeo of aggravated assault following a second trial. The conviction of the first trial was overturned by the BC Court of Appeal which ruled that the trial judge compromised the appearance of fairness through his questioning; the court ordered a new trial. Ravi Hira QC, who argued the case, suggested that changes are required in how the province approves charges against police officers acting in the line of duty.