Inquiry clears prosecutors of bias over death of Native man

Wednesday, June 22, 2011  

Government prosecutors did not show bias when they declined to charge police officers who dumped a Native man in the freezing cold, according to the final inquiry report released today.

Frank Paul, 48, died after he was left in an alley in Vancouver, British Columbia, in December 1988. Three police officers can be seen on videotape dragging him out of a holding unit even though he was severely intoxicated and wet.

The government declined to bring charges against the officers and two former prosecutors -- who are now sitting judges -- were forced to testify before the inquiry. Commissioner William H. Davies, however, said there was no indication of improper pressures from the police department or other improper political pressure or influence.

Davies made nine recommendations to avoid questions of bias in the future.

Get the Story:
Final report into death of Frank Paul released (CBC 6/22)
B.C. Attorney General releases final report into Frank Paul death (Straight.Com 6/22)
Frank Paul inquiry clears Crown of bias (CTV 6/22)

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