Marcella Bernardo | Email news tips to Marcella
4/27/2012
Assault charges laid against a prominent Vancouver lawyer last fall have now been dropped.
Terry La Liberte was arrested in Gastown on November 21st.
Witnesses reported he was shouting at a woman when two men intervened.
Neil Mackenzie with the criminal justice branch explains why the case is not being pursued.
"In this particular case, taking into account the circumstances of the incident itself, Mr. La Liberte's exemplary background and his conduct since the incident, the crown concluded a prosecution was no longer required in the public interest."
Mackenzie insists no special treatment was given to ensure the matter was handled sooner than other cases.
Last year, La Liberte ended several years of service with Vancouver’s police board.
The 67-year old, who's the former president of the Canadian bar association, is also being investigated by the law society of BC.
For his part, La Liberte has apologized and says he's deeply embarrased by what happened.
He says he's come to terms with the fact he has a serious drinking problem, and has taken the steps to deal with it.
He says the incident was a real "eye-opener" for him and he sincerely regrets his behaviour in front of innocent bystanders.
He says his conduct that day was a great embarrassment to his family, his friends and his profession.
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