Stanley Cup Riot prosecution cost close to $5 million

It has cost taxpayers $4.9 million to prosecute people charged in Vancouver’s 2011 Stanley Cup riot.

A new report also finds total damage caused by the riot was just over $3.7 million.

There were 112 businesses and 122 vehicles damaged, and 52 assaults were reported against civilians, police and emergency personnel.

B.C.’s Prosecution Service found 300 alleged rioters, including 54 youths, faced 912 charges. All but 16 of the accused pleaded guilty.

There are two cases left before the courts, and they are expected to conclude in the new few weeks.

Of adults convicted, 47 per cent received jail time and an equal number served conditional “house arrest” sentences.

The longest jail sentence served was 20 months, with seven days being the shortest sentence.

The bulk of the jail sentences served vary in range from 30 to 90 days.

Only 17 per cent of people charged in the riot had a prior criminal record.

Neil MacKenzie with B.C. Criminal Justice Branch says it took so long to get through the investigation because of the sheer amount of photographic evidence that had to be examined. In the first week alone, police received 280 Crime Stoppers tips and 3,692 emails, including photos, videos and links to social media accounts of alleged rioters.

For the full report, go here.

3:44 B.C. Criminal Justice Branch release cost of Stanley Cup riot prosecution