Wednesday, September 12, 2012

City Police Officer Launches Court Appeal

An appeal has been filed in the New Brunswick Court of Appeal to overturn the guilty verdict in the trial of City Police officer Chris Messer.

Constable Messer was found guilty of engaging in threatening conduct and common assault after his house on Westfield Road was broken into.

Mr. Justice Hugh McLellen found Messer guilty based on his own testimony because his accusers lacked credibility.

Even without the appeal, Police Chief Bill Reid says a long legal process still remains even after the verdict to determine whether Messer will remain with the Saint John Police Department. He has been released from jail pending the outcome of his appeal.

Messer's lawyer, Brian Munro says several grounds are being cited to the Court of Appeal for overturning the verdicts.