Judge frustrated after yet another delay in former mayor Colin Basran's sexual assault case

| June 6, 2023 in Kelowna

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Lawyers on both sides in the case against Colin Basran asked for and got yet another rescheduling today.

There have been repeated requests for adjournments in the case, prompting a fairly direct dressing-down from a frustrated Judge Monica McParland.

"The submissions of both counsel have been very similar on each of the occasions and fairly vaguely worded," said McParland.

The lawyers, listening via video conference took the rebuke with respect but got the continuance they had jointly requested.

"I'll give you until Friday, June 23rd," said McParland. "If you're not ready to arraign on that date expect me to be asking very pointed questions as to why not."

As has been the pattern, Basran was not in court.

The alleged incident took place in May of 2022 when Basran was still sitting as Mayor.

While it all sounds like things are standing still in court, the events revealed something else entirely.

There has been plenty happening behind the scenes. 

"More substantive resolution discussions began sometime in April," said Lydia Chu, representing the former mayor.

Chu told the court that those discussions prompted the RCMP to investigate further.

"Further investigative steps occurred," she said. 

Some of the results of that further investigation have been shared with the defence, but there's more still to come according to the lawyers and that's why they want more time. 

The matter is back in court June 23 for arraignment.

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