RCMP Constable accused of 'assault' and 'forcibly confining' woman

A 41-year-old RCMP Constable from the Nain detachment is accused of assaulting and forcibly confining a local woman from that community.

Sergeant Wayne Newell said two officers responded to a disturbance at the home of the off-duty RCMP Constable in the early morning of Tuesday, May 26.

He said a team of RCMP investigators was flown in from Labrador to continue the investigation.

Sgt. Newell said the Constable was not arrested until Wednesday, May 27 because it "took some time to establish everybody's statements. Alcohol was a factor and we had to wait until all people were sober."

"The woman was initially interviewed, and when the new investigators arrived they had to re-interview her. These things all took time."

Sgt. Newell said the woman involved "received minor cuts and bruises, so she didn't receive any medical attention."

The RCMP Constable under investigation was supposed to appear before a Judge on Thursday May 25, "but the matter was set over until 1:30 p.m.," Sgt. Newell said.

"He was appearing Nain, the judge happens to be there on circuit."

According to a RCMP press release dated May 28, the Constable in question had been released from custody and would appear back in Nain for plea on October 7, 2009.

"The conditions of his release include to keep the peace and be of good behaviour and not to have any communication with the victim."

Sgt. Newell said "a decision has not yet been made" on whether the Constable will continue to work until his plea date in October.

"The condition of his undertaking is that he is not to reside in Nain."

Sgt. Newell said whether he will be working at the RCMP detachment wherever he is relocated is still under investigation.

reporter@thelabradorian.ca