Calgary criminal case thrown out citing ‘unreasonable delays’

Another violent criminal case in Alberta has been thrown out over “unreasonable delays,” Global News has learned.

Jason Harron was charged with a long string of offences, including criminal negligence causing bodily harm, after an incident with police in northwest Calgary in May of 2013.

Two seniors were hit by an SUV outside a Crowfoot bank and Harron ended up being blinded after he was shot by police.

READ MORE: Police lay charges in officer-involved shooting at Crowfoot Centre  

As Global News first reported last week, a “Jordan application” had been filed by Harron’s defence team, citing unreasonable delays.

Harron is a career criminal and has been charged with more than 100 offences in Calgary; everything from assault with a weapon to drug trafficking. He has multiple convictions for property and weapons related crimes.

Thursday morning the Crown consented to stay the charges in the case. His trial had been scheduled to begin Nov. 14.

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READ MORE: Alberta murder case thrown out over trial delays; experts warn system on verge of collapse

A Supreme Court of Canada ruling earlier this year set new rules for how long a case can take from start to finish.

The decision is called R vs. Jordan and any applications made citing its time guidelines are now called “Jordan applications.”

Harron’s defence lawyers, Tonii Roulston and Andrea Urquhart, released a statement saying it had been a “very long ordeal” for their client.

“While he is relieved about this outcome he was looking forward to his day in Court,” the statement reads. “The Charter Notice filed by defence was in part due to the delay and this was the reason for the stay by the Crown Prosecutor. However the Charter Notice was also based on Sections 7 and 12 due to the actions of Calgary police officers who targeted and hit Mr. Harron between the eyes.

“This resulted in him being permanently blinded which has had a devastating impact on his life- something he lives with and struggles with everyday.”

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Last month, a first-degree murder case was stayed after it took more than five years to go to trial.

READ MORE: ‘Murderers will be released’ – Canadian senator describes justice system in crisis  

There are at least six other “Jordan applications” pending in Alberta. Four of those are Calgary cases. Two of those are murder cases.