Hearing for suspended London police officer derailed
A hearing for a London police officer facing several charges of misconduct never got underway Wednesday.
In August, Const. Stephen Williams pleaded guilty to seven other charges of misconduct in connection with incidents between 2016 and 2019.
The current hearing is in regards to charges that include the alleged sexual assault of a woman.
The hearing was scheduled to start at 10 a.m. Wednesday but was delayed until 2:30 p.m. when it was learned that Williams went home claiming to be sick.
Prosecutor David Migicovsky says, "This process is being manipulated by Const. Williams, he has used the COVID card...It's very obvious what's going on."
He continued, "Quite frankly I don't believe he is unvaccinated...I see someone who is playing games with all of us."
But Scott Hutchison, Williams' lawyer, says "He is lying in bed too sick to attend...The reality is he is at home right now lying in bed."
However, the prosecutor claims that Williams wanted a two-week delay in the proceeding and when he didn't get it he walked out of police headquarters.
Migicovsky added it is a challenging situation for others involved, "In regards to the alleged sexual assault I have a witness who is in an extremely stressful situation."
The hearing has been rescheduled to 10 a.m. Thursday, and if Williams cannot make it in person he may be asked to attend virtually, though his lawyer says illness may prevent that.
Williams has been suspended with pay since 2017.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
What to know about avian influenza in dairy cows and the risk to humans
Why is H5N1, or bird flu, a concern, how does it spread, and is there a vaccine? Here are the answers to some frequently asked questions about avian influenza.
'I was scared': Ontario man's car repossessed after missing two repair loan payments
An Ontario man who took out a loan to pay for auto repairs said his car was repossessed after he missed two payments.
opinion The special relationship between King Charles and the Princess of Wales
Royal commentator Afua Hagan writes that when King Charles recently admitted Catherine to the Order of the Companions of Honour, it not only made history, but it reinforced the strong bond between the King and his beloved daughter-in-law.
Pro-plastic lobbyist presence at UN talks is 'troubling,' say advocates
Environmentalist groups are sounding the alarm about a steep increase in the number of pro-plastic lobbyists at the UN pollution talks taking place this week.
'Too young to have breast cancer': Rates among young Canadian women rising
Breast cancer rates are rising in Canada among women in their 20s, 30s and 40s, according to research by the University of Ottawa (uOttawa).
Charlie Woods, son of Tiger, shoots 81 in U.S. Open qualifier
Charlie Woods failed to advance in a U.S. Open local qualifying event Thursday, shooting a 9-over 81 at Legacy Golf & Tennis Club.
$70M Lotto Max winners kept prize a secret from family for 2 months
During a special winner celebration near their hometown, Doug and Enid shared the story of how they discovered they were holding a Lotto Max ticket worth $70 million and how they kept this huge secret for so long.
Courteney Cox says her partner Johnny McDaid once broke up with her in therapy
Courteney Cox's longtime partner Johnny McDaid once broke up with her in a therapy session.
Are Canadians getting sick from expired food?
A new survey by Dalhousie University's Agri-Food Analytics Lab asked Canadians about their food consumption habits amid rising prices.