Police officers plead guilty to Police Services Act charges(Updated)

Three North Bay Police Service officers, including a supervisor, pleaded guilty today to charges of discreditable conduct, at a Police Services Act of Ontario hearing.

The charges relate to an incident in October 2002, in which another North Bay Police Service officer was charged with assault.

At the hearing Monday, presided over by North Bay Police Chief George Berrigan, Cst. Joe Gardiner received a reprimand, as did Cst. Alain Bedard. The reprimand will go into the officers' employment records.

The supervisor, Sgt. Harley Solman, also received a reprimand, said Inspector Al Williams, the prosecutor at the hearing.

As well, Solman, a 25-year veteran with the North Bay Police Service, will have to work 10 days without pay or give up time off that he's owed, or a combination thereof.

Inspector Williams said he was satisfied with the outcome of the hearing, saying the disciplinary actions imposed were "appropriate."

Williams added that he took Solman's "outstanding" record with the police service into consideration when recommending a penalty to Berrigan.

He also said the public should retain its confidence in the North Bay Police Service.

"Action was taken quickly once the incident became apparent to the organization and the matter was dealt with in full public view," Williams said.

All three officers apologized to Chief Berrigan and the public, Williams added.

"They realized they had made mistakes and were genuinely remorseful," Williams said.

A Police Services Act hearing will be held May 17th for Sr. Cst. Christi Lafrance, an officer also allegedly involved in the case.

Lafrance was charged with assault in relation to an alleged incident in which a prisoner in police custody was allegedly struck in the head area by a police officer.

Monday's hearing related to the manner in which the alleged incident was reported.

LaFrance is scheduled make her first court appearance May 25.

Her Toronto-based lawyer Andrew Perrin said LaFrance "categorically" denies "every allegation" made against her.

"And furthermore," Perrin said, "she intends to defend herself against these allegations in an intense fashion, and looks forward to the opportunity to do so."