A London police officer has been sentenced to jail time for his role in the death of a 39-year-old Oneida woman.
Justice Renee Pomerance sentenced Constable Nicholas Doering to one year in jail on Monday morning. He had been convicted of criminal negligence causing death and failing to provide the necessaries of life in the death of Debra Chrisjohn. She died September 7, 2016, hours after being arrested by London police in the area of Trafalgar Street and Highbury Avenue. Following the arrest by London police, Chrisjohn was transferred into the custody of Elgin OPP on an outstanding warrant for shoplifting.
Just before 8 p.m. that night, Chrisjohn was taken to hospital in St. Thomas. She was pronounced dead at 8:43 p.m. It was later determined that Chrisjohn, who was under the influence of crystal methamphetamine at the time of her arrest, died of cardiac arrest. In her decision, Justice Pomerance noted that Doering told OPP officers that she had been assessed by a paramedic. However, that was not true.
"She had not been examined by any medical professionals," she wrote. "Her condition had substantially detereorated during the time that she was in Cst. Doering's custody. The statements made to OPP officers further reduced the likihood that Ms. Chrisjohn would get the medical assistance she so desperately required."
After a probe by the Special Investigations Unit, Doering and an Elgin OPP officer were charged with criminal negligence causing death and failing to provide the necessaries of life. The charges against the OPP officer were later dropped.
After the sentencing, London police Chief Steve Williams released a statement on the case.
“I am aware of Constable Doering’s sentence today and have reviewed the decision," he said. "The circumstances of this case are tragic and difficult for everyone involved. Effectively immediately, Constable Doering has been suspended from duty with pay. The matter has been appealed by Constable Doering. The filing of the appeal has effectively paused the implementation of the conviction and sentence pending further legal review. While this case remains before the courts I am unable to further speak to the particulars of the matter. Once the criminal process has concluded, the Police Services Act misconduct investigation will follow.”
Justice Pomerance's full decision can be read by clicking here.