Hi Charles,
The New Brunswick courts continue to protect police officers guilty of serious misconduct. Saint John police constable Chris Messer is the latest example. His house was broken into and he took retribution on two men he believed were responsible, which led to Messer being criminally charged, convicted and incarcerated. After just one week in jail he was released, pending an appeal. The court of appeal set aside the convictions and ordered a new trial, before a new judge.
That judge was Judy Clendening. In January of this year Clendening exonerated Messer, by staying all the charges against him. She also ordered a publication ban on her reasons and decision. This is a disturbing trend. Not only are cops almost the only accused persons who are granted stays, Justice Clendening had no grounds to order a publication ban for such a public interest matter, that has been dragging on for years. The New Brunswick Police Commission website shows they received complaints against Messer, from the two victims, but suspended their investigations pending the outcome of the criminal prosecution. The Police Commission appears to have done nothing since Clendening stayed the charges – no doubt the Commission will use her secret decision to dismiss the complaints against a cop who assaulted two people.
New Brunswick courts and cops remain a law unto themselves. Courts Protecting Cops.
From a Concerned Citizen
Nothing changes. Clendening got a death threat recently - she is nothing to do with justice, just looks after the GNB and dirty cops.
ReplyDeleteThe very reason people do not trust police is right there! They can dish it out but cant take it!
ReplyDelete