Court stays charge against man accused of threatening MLA Kwan

VICTORIA — Charges have been stayed against a man alleged to have threatened to kill NDP MLA Jenny Kwan, her spouse and their children.

Court documents alleged that Kimberly Burton Pollock confronted Kwan’s spouse on Dec. 1, 2010, the same day Kwan issued a strongly worded letter calling for the resignation of then NDP leader Carole James.

On Monday, Criminal Justice Branch spokesman Neil Mackenzie said the matter has been “diverted outside of the criminal court process.”

Mackenzie said Pollock has agreed to apologize as part of the agreement, but added he could not provide details on any other terms that may have been included in the arrangement.

Kwan said she felt the deal was adequate.

“I’m satisfied that the conditions in place will ensure that there would be boundaries set around this issue, and an accountability as well,” she said.

“I’m satisfied that me and my family would be protected from further harassment and threats.”

Kwan added she has not yet received the promised formal apology, but has been told it is coming.

In addition to uttering threats, Pollock had also been facing one count of mischief in connection with an incident alleged to have happened on April 1, 2011.

Court documents state that on that day, Pollock allegedly threw feces onto the roof of Kwan’s Vancouver home.

Around the time of the incident, a Vancouver police spokesman clarified that the incident involved dog feces.

Charges in the case were approved by a special prosecutor in May 2011, and were stayed at the end of last month.

Special prosecutor Gail Barnes could not be reached for comment Monday.