The Greater Sudbury Police Service has received confirmation that on Tuesday the 6th of October 2015, the Crown Attorney’s Office withdrew a single count of assault against Constable Christopher Labreche, stemming from a private information laid by Mr. Tanner Currie and his counsel, Mr. Trent Falldien. The matter had been assigned to Crown Law Office - Criminal in Toronto for full consideration earlier this year.
After a full review of all the available information, Crown Law Office – Criminal in Toronto, has concluded that they would not be able to prove that the force used by Constable Labreche was not justified under the Criminal Code of Canada. Section 25(1) provides that a police officer is justified in using force, provided the officer acted on reasonable and probable grounds and used only as much force as was necessary in the circumstances. As such, the Crown has determined there is no reasonable prospect of conviction against Constable Labreche.
Chief of Police Paul Pedersen reassures the public that the Greater Sudbury Police Service takes these matters seriously, and is fully accountable to a system of checks and balances. The Service has fully cooperated with all levels of oversight in this particular matter that considered the totality of all the evidence provided.
In an issued statement, Chief Pedersen remarked, “While we recognize that the general public has not been privy to all the facts, we are confident that a very thorough review of all material was considered. This matter was reviewed by use of force experts, by the Office of the Independent Review Director (OIPRD) and by the criminal court system. We remain confident in our systems of oversight and in the judicial system.”
The Greater Sudbury Police Service would like to thank the public for their patience and understanding while this case was considered.
We remain committed to community safety and well-being and proudly serve the citizens of Greater Sudbury.