POLICE REVIEW CONTINUES
Police constable’s testimony heard Monday.
A Sydney police constable accused a woman who filed a complaint against him of victimizing his aunt and uncle before describing her as ruthless in testimony Monday before a Nova Scotia Police Review Board hearing.
In taking the witness stand in his own defence, Const. John Campbell of the Cape Breton Regional Police, accused Stephanie Bonner of repeatedly harassing his relatives, Ralph and Elizabeth Campbell.
“The first time they ever called police was when you arrived. Your actions and everything you did led us here today,” said Campbell.
“They and I underestimated just how ruthless you are,” said the officer, suggesting Bonner is to blame for all the fallout from a dispute between neighbours that began in the fall of 2011.
“I sat here for four days while you attacked my integrity and that of other officers. It stops today,” said Campbell, during cross-examination conducted by Bonner, who is representing herself before the hearing.
“That’s ridiculous. I’ve been told off by this man sitting here,” said Bonner.
Board chairperson Jean McKenna intervened and instructed both to conduct themselves in a more orderly fashion.
Bonner and her fiancé Edward (Ted) O’Quinn have filed complaints against three officers with the regional service claiming they failed to properly or diligently perform their duty as regional police officers.
Const. Campbell has now completed his evidence before the hearing along with Const. Donald Reginato. Supt. Walter Rutherford is scheduled to take the stand today.
In September 2011, Bonner purchased an 11-acre site on Crestdale Drive in Sydney Forks. Access to the property was shared with Ralph and Elizabeth Campbell via a right-of-way road.
“You used everything in your power to prevent them from using the road the way they had for some 16 years,” said Campbell, adding his aunt was terrified of Bonner.
Bonner pointed out that in testimony in a provincial court trial for she and O’Quinn on charges relating to the Campbells, the Campbells testified to never fearing either Bonner or O’Quinn. Bonner and O’Quinn were acquitted of charges of mischief and criminal harassment.
Bonner suggested the Campbells were more fearful of changes in the right-of-way than of she or O’Quinn.
The dispute has resulted in numerous calls to police resulting in multiple investigations by a host of officers, peace bond applications, police complaints, criminal charges and a civil suit. The police complaints have been investigated by police from Halifax and Truro along with internal investigations.
The complaints alleged Const. Campbell threatened both Bonner and O’Quinn and made inappropriate comments about the couple at the end of a peace bond hearing.
The officer is alleged to have told O’Quinn “you’re f..ked” while telling Bonner “you’re dead” in separate incidents.
As for court comments, courtroom audio recording equipment did record a comment he made after a night court proceeding on a peace bond application. After the court closed, he told sheriff deputies the couple was likely outside slashing his tires.
In his testimony, Campbell denied making any threat to O’Quinn.
He did admit to saying, under his breath, the word “douchebag” to Bonner as he passed her in a vehicle on the right-of-way.
When asked by Bonner why he repeatedly denied making any comment in previous investigations into the complaint, Campbell said it was because he was embarrassed.
“I am embarrassed by that comment. I didn’t want my wife, my mother, my daughter to know what I had said,” he explained, in defending why he denied the claim before admitting it during an external police investigation.
As for his court comment, he said he was disappointed in what he had said.
“Up until last week, I was skeptical I said that. I am upset with the opportunity of giving you (Bonner) something to hold over my head,” he said.
The audio recording was played and entered into evidence at the hearing last week.
Board chairperson Jean McKenna asked Campbell why he didn’t immediately leave the Crestdale property on the day he is alleged to have threatened O’Quinn, after arriving and seeing a police officer with his uncle.
Campbell said he couldn’t offer an explanation.
Board member John Withrow asked the officer why he sent an email to another regional officer investigating a mischief complaint against Bonner and O’Quinn asking where the investigation stood.
Campbell said it was out of concern for his family after his aunt had suffered a medical emergency and was interested to learn if there had been any developments in the case. The hearing continues today.