Assault charges dropped against Hamilton cop

Charges have been dropped against a Hamilton police officer accused of assault, after an innocent man was beaten.

Po La Hay hay suffered three cracked ribs and a cracked vertebra after being stomped by Tocher during a botched drug raid in May 2010.
The judge said the Crown didn’t have enough evidence to prove excessive force was used; but he did raise questions about the credibility of the officers who testified.

Nevertheless, Tocher is pleased.
“I’m happy with the verdict. We can move on with life now.”
Police witnesses have said La Hay was flailing around in a state of craziness when police burst into his apartment.
In a statement released shortly after the verdict, Hamilton Police chief Glenn De Caire said the service accepts and respects the decision of the court.
“We have assessed our practices and procedures for entries during search warrants. These changes took place a year ago, and have been utilized in numerous search warrants in 2010 and 2011.”
Video: Al Sweeney reports (updated:)