A public hearing regarding alleged misconduct by seven Vancouver Police Department (VPD) officers in the 2015 death of Myles Gray faces uncertainty following the inadvertent capture of an offensive remark on a microphone. During discussions among attorneys about police radio transmissions, a clear offensive term was picked up by a microphone in the hearing room at UBC Robson Square in Vancouver.
The public hearing was briefly postponed but resumed after the incident. Public hearing counsel Brad Hickford, represented by his lawyer Richard Neary, expressed regret and decided to step down from his role. Neary clarified that Hickford did not intend to make the offensive comment, though upon reviewing the recording, Hickford acknowledged that it might have been unintentional.
The adjudicator, Elizabeth Arnold-Bailey, emphasized the importance of not further delaying the 10-week hearing, which is a significant proceeding given the decade-long duration since Gray’s passing. Arnold-Bailey urged Hickford to reconsider returning to facilitate the hearing’s continuation as planned.
While acknowledging the offensive comment, Arnold-Bailey emphasized the critical nature of the ongoing proceedings and urged all parties involved to prioritize the hearing’s progression over the incident. The Law Society of B.C. is investigating the matter, and Neary indicated Hickford’s willingness to return if feasible.
Following the incident, technical difficulties interrupted the proceedings, leading to a brief adjournment. The hearing is currently on hold as lawyers for the involved police officers deliberate on the next steps with their clients.
In response to the offensive remark, lawyers weighed in, emphasizing the need to focus on the investigation into Gray’s death rather than being sidetracked by the incident. Ian Donaldson, representing the Gray family, highlighted the importance of prioritizing the public interest in uncovering the truth behind Gray’s demise, despite the setback caused by the delay.
Donaldson underscored the family’s patience throughout the extended legal process and reiterated the significance of seeking justice for Gray over any temporary delays. The focus remains on the thorough investigation of the circumstances surrounding Gray’s death, emphasizing the paramount importance of the public interest in seeking truth and justice.