Judge Accused Of Assault Still Under Suspension

Judge Accused Of Assault Still Under Suspension

Thursday, February 25, 2010 at 15:12

 

 

Provincial Court Judge Donald Bird of Meadow Lake remains in limbo.

 

It’s not known when — or even if — he can resume his job, even though charges against him of assault and making threats have been dropped.

 

His case is now being reviewed by the Saskatchewan Judicial Council.

 

Saskatchewan Law Courts spokesperson Colleen Schmidt says Bird has to be patient.

 

Schmidt says he remains suspended until the council makes a decision on his future.

 

Bird has been suspended since January of last year, when he was charged with two counts of assault and uttering threats.

 

But the case was thrown out of a Battleford courtroom this week when the complainants — reportedly his wife and son — refused to come to court.

 

Bird’s lawyer Sy Halyk said outside court that meant Bird could resume his duties — but Schmidt says that’s not so.

 

In fact, she says his case may not be resolved, even after the council makes its decision.

 

Schmidt notes the council does have the authority to direct any matter it reviews to go to a hearing if it is serious enough.

 

The allegations against Bird arose from an incident in May of 2008.