Sudbury police officer hit with assault charge

A Sudbury court has ruled that a charge of assault is warranted against a city police constable, stemming from an incident last spring.

On Jan. 26, during a hearing at the Sudbury Court House, the court determined a charge of assault could proceed against Const. Christopher Labreche, who has subsequently been charged with the offence.

Last spring, a man was arrested for public intoxication and resisting arrest, charges which were later dropped. The man, Tanner Currie, 20, went to the media in December with surveillance footage of his confrontation with Labreche.

In the video, the constable can be seen forcefully shoving Currie into window with enough force to break the glass. Currie said he suffered injuries from the incident.

Police said an internal investigation cleared Labreche.

With the officer now facing a charge, Greater Sudbury Police issued a statement today.

The full statement from the GSPS is as follows:

As this matter is before the courts, the Greater Sudbury Police Service cannot make any further comments on this matter at this time.

As a police organization we remain committed and accountable to our members and our community. We pride ourselves as being open and transparent, and will continue to cooperate with all systems of legislative oversight as the complete facts in issue are gathered for presentation in a judicial hearing.

At this stage, we are ethically bound not to comment any further in order not to prejudice any potential proceedings that may take place in the future.