Special prosecutor approves assault charge against B.C. Crown lawyer

VICTORIA – A Crown lawyer in B.C. has been charged with assault.

A special prosecutor approved the charge against Hedley Christopher Johns, who works for the Criminal Justice Branch.

Crown spokesman Neil MacKenzie says special prosecutor Kris Pechet was appointed in September after the branch received an investigative report from North Vancouver RCMP in connection with an alleged incident on Aug. 23.

Get breaking National news

Get breaking Canada news delivered to your inbox as it happens so you won't miss a trending story.

Sign up for breaking National newsletter Get Started

By providing your email address, you have read and agree to Global News' Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy.

Pechet’s mandate includes providing a written report to the assistant deputy attorney general, with the results of his review and the reasons for his decision.

MacKenzie says Pechet would also conduct the prosecution if that was warranted, along with any subsequent appeal.

Johns will make his first court appearance on Jan. 4 in North Vancouver provincial court.