Creston cops escape charges following beating

VICTORIA — No criminal charges will be laid in connection to the first charge assessment sent to Crown by British Columbia’s new police watchdog.

The Criminal Justice Branch says it has decided not to approve a charge in connection to allegations of excessive force by an RCMP officer in Creston, B.C.

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Crown counsel says it has thoroughly reviewed all available evidence from the Independent Investigations Office and the Delta Police Department in connection to the incident.

The IIO began investigating after an allegation that Tom Campen suffered serious facial injuries after an altercation with an officer at a local business last October in the southeastern B.C. community.

The justice branch has concluded the available evidence doesn’t support the substantial likelihood of conviction for a criminal offence.

While the branch says Crown counsel has concluded the officer used force against Campen, the prosecution wouldn’t be able to prove that the force was excessive and therefore unlawful.