Sign outside of the court in Chatham, ON. Sept 25, 2017. (Photo by Paul Pedro)Sign outside of the court in Chatham, ON. Sept 25, 2017. (Photo by Paul Pedro)
Chatham

No Appeal Of Tilbury Dog Fighting Decision

The deadline to appeal a Tilbury dog fighting decision has come and gone without an appeal.

The Ministry of the Attorney General says the Crown has decided not to appeal the judge's decision after a thorough review of the decision and the legal aspects of the case. A Chatham judge threw out all charges against John Robert and Michel Gagnon on February 9 because their right to a trial within a reasonable time was violated.

It took 31 months to conclude the case. Under Canadian law, cases must be wrapped up within 30 months.

Robert and Gagnon were charged with 66 charges surrounding the alleged abuse of pit bulls and possession of firearms.

The appeal deadline was Friday.

In an email, the Ministry of the Attorney General says "the Government of Ontario recognizes the devastating impact that stayed cases can have on victims, families, witnesses and communities. The right to be tried within a reasonable time is a fundamental part of our justice system. That is why we have implemented a $25-million a year plan to improve the performance of Ontario’s criminal justice system so it is faster and fairer. By appointing more judges, hiring more crowns and court staff, providing more funding for Legal Aid counsel and community supports, our plan is reducing delays and ultimately creating safer communities."

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