A teen accused in the hit and run death of a Calgary police officer will remain in custody for at least another eight days, pending a judge’s decision on his bail application.
The prosecution is opposed to the release of the young man — who was 17 at the time of the offence.
Sgt. Andrew Harnett was killed New Year’s Eve, following a traffic stop in northeast Calgary.
Police allege the youth was the driver of the vehicle that took off, dragging Harnet, who died later in hospital.
He has been charged with first-degree murder and cannot be named under the Youth Criminal Justice Act.
Amir Adbulrahman, 19, is the alleged passenger and also faces first-degree murder charges.
Both accused turned themselves in on New Year’s Day.
Defence lawyer Kaysi Fagan said Wednesday that while the length of the bail hearing was atypical, she believed that it was necessary to be thorough given the complexity of the case and the public nature.
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“Certainly the fact an officer was killed is concerning to the public and it’s going to be very divisive,” Fagan said.
“Any time there’s a death, whether it be an officer or a member of the public, it’s more difficult, the exposure is greater, the attention is greater, the scrutiny is greater.”
Crown prosecutor Douglas Taylor notified the defence Tuesday that if the youth accused was found guilty at trial, the prosecution would seek that he be sentenced as an adult. That adult sentence would be life in prison with no eligibility of parole for 10 years.
Youth Court Judge Steve Lipton will hand down his decision next Thursday, January 28.
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Youth accused of killing Calgary police officer in court for bail hearing -
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Slain Calgary police officer remembered by cadet camp ahead of funeral -
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Fallen Calgary police officer honoured during funeral and procession -
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Procession for fallen officer Sgt. Andrew Harnett takes place in Calgary -
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Hundreds of Calgarians line street for Sgt. Harnett procession -
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Procession for fallen officer Sgt. Andrew Harnett proceeds through Calgary -
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Police escort Tuesday for Calgary officer killed in the line of duty -
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Touching tribute for fallen Calgary police officer
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