Crown directs stay of proceedings in case against Edward John after key witness breaks down during combative cross-examination
Noted Indigenous leader Edward John no longer stands accused of repeatedly raping a teenage girl nearly 50 years ago.
A trial on the matter came to an abrupt end midday Tuesday when Crown prosecutor Michael Klein directed a stay of proceedings. The step was taken after a morning of combative cross examination by John's lawyer of the complainant and the Crown's sole witness, whose name is shielded by a court-ordered publication ban.
When the woman, now in her 60s, broke down in tears, B.C. Supreme Court Justice Terence Schultes called an early break. Following a lengthy delay as Klein met with the woman in an interview room at the Prince George courthouse, he returned to the courtroom where the case was being heard to tell Schultes that the case will not proceed.A stay of proceedings is entered whenever Crown has determined a case is no longer worth pursuing due to a lack of likelihood that there will be a conviction.
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