All charges faced by former MPP Randy Hillier in relation to the 2022 convoy protest in Ottawa have been stayed because of court delays.
The former independent representative for Lanark–Frontenac–Kingston had been facing nine charges including two counts of mischief, three counts of counselling to commit an indictable offence, three counts of obstructing a police officer and one of assaulting a police officer.
However, in a decision dated Nov. 14, Justice Kerry McVey granted Hillier a stay of proceedings based on the argument that his right to be tried within a reasonable time had been violated.
Even with a 65-day deduction for delays caused by the defence and another 40 days for “exceptional circumstances,” McVey found Hillier had been waiting 31 months and 13 days.
That exceeds the 30-month ceiling set in the 2016 Supreme Court decision R. v. Jordan.
“As a result, the application is granted,” the judge’s decision reads. “The charges against Mr. Hillier are stayed.”
In a video posted on social media shortly after 11 a.m. Friday, Hillier said “today is a day to celebrate.”
“All criminal charges against me in Ottawa, from the Freedom Convoy, have been stayed,” he added.
More to come.