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
Orca calf that was trapped in B.C. lagoon for weeks swims free
An orca whale calf that has been stranded in a B.C. lagoon for weeks after her pregnant mother died swam out on her own early Friday morning.
King Charles' cancer treatment progressing well, says Buckingham Palace
King Charles III’s doctors are 'sufficiently pleased' with his cancer treatment and he is expected to return to public-facing duties, Buckingham Palace announced on Friday.
AFN chief says Air Canada offered a 15% discount after her headdress was mishandled
After the Assembly of First Nations' national chief complained to Air Canada about how staffers treated her and her ceremonial headdress on a flight this week, she says the airline responded by offering a 15 per cent discount on her next flight.
Sophie Gregoire Trudeau on navigating post-political life, co-parenting and freedom
Sophie Gregoire Trudeau says there is 'still so much love' between her and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, as they navigate their post-separation relationship co-parenting their three children.
DEVELOPING Bird flu outbreaks: WHO weighs in on public health risk
The current overall public health risk posed by the H5N1 bird flu virus is low, the World Health Organization said on Friday, but urged countries to stay alert for cases of animal-to-human transmission.
76ers All-Star centre Joel Embiid says he has Bell's palsy
Philadelphia 76ers All-Star centre Joel Embiid has been diagnosed with Bell’s palsy, a form of facial paralysis he says has affected him since before the play-in tournament.
Island near Mull of Kintyre for sale for US$3.1 million
An idyllic 453-acre private island is up for sale off the west coast of Scotland and it comes with sandy beaches, puffins galore, seven houses, a pub, a helipad and a flock of black-faced sheep.
Regina police officer injured after being accidentally shot by fellow officer's gun
An investigation is underway after a Regina police officer was accidentally shot by a fellow officer’s gun during the search of a house early Friday morning.
Taylor Swift dons Montreal designer's dress in 'Fortnight' video
A pair of Montreal designers' work has now been viewed over 41 million times. Taylor Swift dons a Victorian throwback black gown in her latest music video, 'Fortnight', designed by UNTTLD due Simon Belanger and Jose Manuel Saint-Jacques.