RCMP Const. David Pompeo's trial hits two-month hiatus, resumes in November
The trial of local North Cowichan/Duncan RCMP Const. David Pompeo will continue in November after nearly two weeks of testimony in Duncan court.
Last week, Judge Josiah Wood listened to more voir-dire evidence — a trial within a trial that bans publication of details — from Pompeo's lawyer Ravi Hira, and various folks testifying about Pompeo's Sept. 18, 2009 shooting of local Bill Gillespie.
At times, Judge Wood seemed exasperated with the amount and detail of evidence Hira presented while questioning police on the stand.
At issue is why and how Pompeo shot Gillespie in a private driveway off Juniper Road in Chemainus.
It's believed Crown counsel and Hira will next present arguments in Duncan court on Nov. 8 and 9.
The case saw an unmarked vehicle, containing Pompeo and Const. David Birchett, pull over a car driven by Gillespie with Dale Brewer as a passenger.
The shooting happened in Brewer's driveway.
Brewer had been involved in property crimes and was a known to police as drug user, while Gillespie was also a known drug user with a record of violence, court has heard from Pompeo.
Testimony has focussed on exactly what happened during the nighttime arrest when Gillespie was shot once.
The slug is still in his body.
Witnesses have testified about RCMP training concerning the totality of situations that can be dangerous given a suspect's attitude and behaviour.
COMMENTS
Let's keep comments:
We ask that all participants own their words by logging in with their Facebook account. It's a simple process that will take seconds and helps keep our comments free of trolls, cranks, and “drive-by” commenters.
We reserve the right to remove comments from anyone using screen names, pseudonyms or false identities. Please see our FAQ if you have questions or concerns about using Facebook to comment.