A rookie police officer in Vancouver, British Columbia, contradicted the testimony of a former sergeant in the case of a Native man who died after being dragged out of a jail center.
Const. David Instant said he thought Frank Paul, a Mi'kmaq from New Brunswick, was intoxicated when he picked him up on the street.
But he testified that former sergeant Russell Sanderson refused to take Paul into the "drunk tank."
Instant then said Sanderson ordered him to take Paul out of the jail center. Paul was unable to move or respond coherently so Instant dragged him out of the building, as shown on surveillance video.
Instant testified that Sanderson told him to drop off Paul on the streets on a cold and rainy night. Paul later died of hypothermia due to exposure and severe alcohol intoxication.
Instant will continue testifying tomorrow.
Get the Story:Vancouver cop contradicts former sergeant's testimony at Frank Paul inquiry (CBC 1/10)
Boss's orders confused rookie (Vancouver 24 Hours 1/10)
Officer confused after jail refused drunk man (The Daily Globe and Mail 1/10)
Relevant Documents:
Frank Joseph Paul: REASONS FOR DECISION (January 20, 2004) Relevant Links:
Union of B.C. Indian Chiefs - http://www.ubcic.bc.ca Related Stories:
Ex-sergeant admits mistake in Native man's death (1/9)
Inquiry into Native man's death in alley resumes (1/8)
Inquiry into Native man's death begins in B.C. (11/15)
Former judge to lead inquiry into Native man's death (3/12)
Inquiry called into Native man's police-related death (2/23)
First Nations seek inquiry into police-related death (2/21)
Police won't face charges for dumping Native man (06/21)
Native man's death in B.C. getting another review (03/26)
B.C. First Nations demand inquiry into man's death (3/22)
B.C. inquiry rejected into death of Native man (3/19)
B.C. police reopen probe into death of Native man (06/25)
Native family wants inquiry into son's death (06/09)
B.C. official under fire for Native remarks (04/9)
