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Police urged to hold off on officer review UNION
Constable criticized in judge’s decision in drug case Ryan Tumilty
Metro | Ottawa Association president Matt Skof said it’s unfair to subject Const. Nikolas Boldirev to an internal review before the Crown has had a chance to review the judge’s decision. “Having an announcement made that there is going to be a criminal investigation, a chief’s complaint, has a strong potential for prejudicing that appeal,” Skof said. In a decision released last week, Justice Julie Bourgeois found Mohamed Hamed not guilty of possession of marijuana,
possession of counterfeit currency and resisting arrest, saying the evidence against him was inadmissible in light of rights breaches. Bourgeois said there was “no basis” for Hamed’s arrest or for a search of his van, which was conducted without a warrant and led to the seizure of some 200 grams of marijuana. The judge further said Boldirev used excessive force when he punched Hamed in the face twice at full force while the teen sat handcuffed in the back of a police cruiser. Bourgeois said the officer’s testimony lacked credibility and his reason for punching Hamed was “completely ridiculous.” Chief Charles Bordeleau announced at a police commission meeting Monday evening that he would be reviewing the case and that the officer would be on administrative duties until that review is complete. WITH FILES FROM THE CANADIAN PRESS