Sheriff shortage delays murders, murder conspiracy cases in B.C.

Murder and conspiracy to murder cases were delayed before the British Columbia Supreme Court on May 27 due to a sheriff shortage that persists in British Columbia despite assurances from the Attorney General that the problem is ongoing .

Judge Kathleen Ker showed up to court to hear both cases, but had to leave because there was no sheriff.

Sheriffs are required in courtrooms to ensure the security of proceedings. They also move prisoners around courthouses and transport them to court.

A dozen lawyers, including four Crown prosecutors paid by the state, gathered outside the courtroom at the Vancouver courthouse on Monday.

A release from the Ministry of the Attorney General says sheriffs at the Vancouver courthouse had to prioritize staff on May 27 because two jury trials were taking place at the courthouse.

“The department is working hard to ensure our courts are appropriately staffed and we will continue to make improvements,” the statement said. “Sheriffs play a vital role in our justice system and play a vital role in ensuring safe access to justice services. »

One case involved an appearance by Pascal Jean Claude Bouthillete. He and Sandy Jack Parisian were charged in the death of 78-year-old Usha Singh.

Singh, who lived alone, was found beaten in her home on January 31, 2021. Vancouver police said two men entered Singh's Little Mountain home around 6 a.m. posing as police officers.

Singh succumbed to his injuries in hospital two days later. Parisien and Bouthillete were arrested on February 3, 2021.

The conspiracy to commit murder case involves multiple defendants. Two men face court together while a third faces charges separately. Due to a series of publication bans in this case and separate lawsuits, Glacier Media has chosen not to publish details at this time.

Court delays in British Columbia's court system due to sheriff shortages have become more common in recent years. Thirty-one courtrooms were closed in Abbotsford, North Vancouver, Port Coquitlam and Surrey between August 14 and September 13, 2023. Earlier in 2023, sources told Glacier Media that courtroom closures included those of Vancouver, Abbotsford, Port Coquitlam, Surrey and Victoria. , Chilliwack and Kamloops.

Concerns have already been raised before and by judges that delays could begin to interfere with people's right to a trial within a reasonable time.

This case is being brought to court as lawyers begin to mention the application of the so-called Jordan Principles by which this right is respected. Jordan's principles stem from a case that ended up in the Supreme Court of Canada. Stays of proceedings are possible if a case reaches a ceiling of 18 months for cases tried before the provincial court and 30 months for cases before the superior courts.

On the May 27 Vancouver Provincial Court docket alone, there were 32 cases listed over more than 300 days (or almost 10 months).

“Delays attributable to or waived by the defense do not count towards the presumptive cap,” the High Court said.

Attorney General Nikki Sharma acknowledged the problems created by the shortage and noted that the provincial government was working to recruit new sheriffs. In February, Sharma announced the addition of 13 new MPs.

“Everyone who uses the justice system expects it to operate safely and smoothly,” Sharma said in a statement at the time. “Sheriffs provide essential protection and law enforcement services to the judiciary, the Crown, the defence, court staff and the public. That’s why it’s so encouraging to see that more people than ever are applying to join the BC Sheriff’s Department.

However, getting these recruits into courtrooms takes time, as they must undergo training at the Justice Institute of BC.

However, the ministry declared: Ongoing recruitment and retention challenges impact the service, but the work underway is having a positive impact.

Through targeted marketing campaigns, a sheriff job posting posted in August 2023 attracted 624 applicants.

The ministry indicated that the spring 2024 class has 59 recruits in training (35 started on March 11 and 24 on April 15). The March class will graduate on June 18, 2024 and join the workforce on July 15. The April class will graduate on July 11, 2024 and join the workforce on August 6.

“The spring 2024 class was the largest class in recent memory,” the department said.

“In addition, the December 2023 job offer, which closed on January 19, 2024, attracted 829 candidates,” the ministry said. “These candidates are currently undergoing the selection and assessment stages of the application process, and successful candidates will begin training in July 2024.”

“The most recent offering closed on April 26, 2024 with 533 applicants, and will have a class of 24 recruits starting (sheriff recruitment training) in November 2024,” the release said.