Defence split in Junor suit

A Hamilton man who’s suing police because he says they didn’t investigate a hate crime against him has won a victory in court today on a motion he filed against the police service.

Robert Junor was the victim of a racially motivated assault in September of 2009, and says police didn’t follow up on the matter because he’s black. Junor is suing five Hamilton Police officers, including Constable Jaimi Bannon, who was charged with neglect of duty under the Police Services Act.

In today’s motion Junor’s lawyer argued that a Hamilton Police lawyer can’t represent all five officers because it’s a conflict of interest.

Junor is suing Constables Jaimi Bannon, Lisa Chapman, Staff Sergeant Steve Kovach, and two professional standards officers: Mark Nicholls and Randy Graham. The group of five was represented by lawyer Paul Ryan.

Junor’s lawyer argues it’s a conflict for Ryan to represent all five, because the two professional standards officers are the ones who determined that Constable Bannon committed misconduct and neglect of duty.

The settlement means that the professional standards officers can keep Ryan. The other defendants have to find new representation.

Bannon has pleaded not guilty to the charges of misconduct and neglect of duty. Junor is also suing Hamilton Police for $25,000. A trial is expected to begin in the next few months.

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