Charges of sexual assault laid against Prince Albert broadcaster Nigel Maxwell have been stayed.
Crown Prosecutor Catherine Gagnon stayed the charges Wednesday morning in court. She didn’t return a request for comment.
Defence lawyer Mary McCauley said the Crown’s office made the right call.
“It became clear to the crown at the last hour that their standard for a reasonable likelihood of a conviction didn’t exist,” she said.
“They were very diligent assessing the file. They can’t drop charges right away.”
McCauley said the complainant had made two contradictory statements, one very early on and one later.
“The statements were quite different. There were other facts that came into play towards the end. The Crown looked at our position, our information, and they didn’t believe they had a reasonable likelihood to get a conviction.”
McCauley declined to discuss what some of those other facts would be.
She said Maxwell had, throughout the process, maintained his innocence.
For his part, Maxwell is happy he will be able to move on with his life.
“I want to express relief that I can put this behind me now. Being accused is a horrific thing, knowing I’m innocent. It’s been very difficult for me, my family, and it’s weighed heavy on my mind,” he said.
Maxwell said he couldn’t talk about the facts of the case due to a publication ban.
“I’m focused on moving forward with my life, going back to work and watching my daughter grow up.”
Maxwell is a reporter for PANow and associated with Jim Pattison Broadcast Group radio stations. He formerly served as news director before resigning and going on leave for a matter unrelated to the criminal charges.
He returned to work as a reporter a few months ago.