Officer's inaccurate testimony 'will undoubtedly tarnish the image of the Toronto Police Service:' police tribunal
A Toronto cop who 'derailed' a criminal investigation by 'inaccurately' testifying that he saw drugs in plain view inside a suspect’s car has been demoted for two years after pleading guilty to discreditable conduct, a decision from the police tribunal read.
The tribunal decision goes on to say that the officer did not make notes about a search involving the suspect’s vehicle and White “did not accurately testify about the circumstances of the arrest” during a preliminary hearing in February 2018. The charges against the accused were subsequently dropped.
“Failing to keep notes of his interactions with the public on multiple occasions and then testifying inaccurately causing a Criminal/CDSA [Controlled Drugs and Substances Act ] case to become no longer viable does such a disservice to the public, as a possible criminal did not have to answer for his/her alleged crimes and was allowed to return to society possibly to re-offend and further victimize,” Redman added.
White and another officer were criminally charged in 2019 with theft and perjury in connection with the same investigation after they were accused of failing to “account for a portion” of money that was seized during a search. They were also accused of providing false or misleading testimony during the preliminary inquiry. Those charges were later withdrawn by the Crown in 2023, according to multiple media reports.
In her submissions to the tribunal, White’s lawyer stated that the officer was working long hours at the time and struggled to balance his workload, which led to him failing to keep appropriate notes and prepare for the preliminary hearing."
"Au was charged with assault causing bodily harm after initial charges of manslaughter and aggravated assault were downgraded. However, Woollcombe said she could not make a definite finding over whether the officer caused a hematoma later found on Facey's forehead before he died.
"In these circumstances, I cannot be satisfied beyond a reasonable doubt that Au's assault caused the bruise," she wrote, leading to the finding of guilt on a lesser charge."
