Toronto Cop Convicted of Assault

Toronto Constable Michael Theriault has been convicted of assault but cleared of more serious charges in connection with the beating of a young black man, Dafonte Miller.  Theriault was off duty when he and his brother confronted Miller in Whitby in the early morning hours of December 28, 2016.

Defence lawyers argued that the Theriaults suspected Miller of breaking into a vehicle and acted in self-defence, alleging Miller was wielding a pipe.  The crown argued that the Theriaults chased Miller, cornered him and beat him with a pipe, so severely that his eye burst.

Michael Theriault was acquitted of aggravated assault and obstruction of justice. His brother Christian was found not guilty.

The verdict was delivered online by Justice Joseph De Luca who heard the case without a jury.  His findings took more than four hours to read. The live stream was watched by thousands.

The case took on racial overtones and played out against the backdrop of the Black Lives Matter movement.