A lawyer representing four RCMP complainants is seeking a closed hearing or a publication ban in a police tribunal hearing into why former Stellarton, NS police chief Amby Heighton was fired by Stellarton town council and Mayor Joe Gennoe.

Lawyers for Heighton and the Stellartown city council have opposed a closed hearing.  The New Glasgow News has applied for intervenor status in the matter, which would, if granted, give the paper full access to the hearing.

In November 2007, six complaints were filed against Heighton. The complaints were investigated and Heighton was subsequently fired in October 2008.  The reasons for the complaints and the subsequent dismissal are not known.

The story is reminiscent of the suspension of Victoria’s former police chief Paul Battershill.  Little was made public in that case as well, although it appears as though an inquiry into Battershill’s expenses triggered an investigation by the Police Complaint Commissioner.

The ruling on whether Heighton’s hearing will be closed is expected in September.

Check out the article in the Chronicle Herald.

Thanks to Mark Mercer in Halifax for submitting the story.

Tags: Transparency

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