A veteran officer from the Greater Sudbury Police Service has been ordered to stand trial on allegations he used excessive force in roughing up a civilian 13 months ago
Following a preliminary hearing, which wrapped up Thursday, Const. Andrew Nesbitt, 35, has been ordered to stand trial on charges of assault, assault causing bodily harm and obstructing justice.
Justice J. Kukurin ruled there was sufficient evidence presented at the preliminary hearing to have Nesbitt stand trial.It's alleged Nesbitt was on-duty with another officer last Jan. 6 when he got involved in an altercation with a citizen and used excessive force.
Kukurin ordered a ban on publication of all evidence presented during the preliminary hearing.
Following an investigation, Nesbitt was charged last March and has been suspended with pay since March 22, said acting Insp. Todd Zimmerman.
Nesbitt will remain under suspension with pay as he, like all citizens, is presumed innocent until proven guilty, said Zimmerman.
All officers facing serious criminal charges are suspended with pay as outlined in the Police Services Act.
Nesbitt is also facing allegations under the Police Services Act relating to this same incident, but the Crown attorney's office has asked those charges be stayed until these Criminal Code matters are dealt with in their entirety through the criminal justice system, said Zimmerman.
