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CALGARY — Two teenagers accused in a police officer’s dying made their first court docket appearances Monday whereas a memorial of flowers and balloons continued to develop on the website the place he was killed.
Blue ribbons had been tied to bushes, mild requirements, mailboxes and onto police vehicles in Calgary in reminiscence of Sgt. Andrew Harnett, who was hit and dragged late Thursday night time whereas trying to cease an SUV with plates that didn’t match.
Police say paramedics and fellow officers tried to revive Harnett, however the 37-year-old died in hospital almost an hour later.
A 17-year-old who police consider was driving the SUV and an alleged passenger, 19-year-old Amir Abdulrahman, listened by cellphone whereas their issues had been handled in court docket.
Both are charged with first-degree homicide. The Crown famous essentially the most severe cost is automated in deaths involving a police officer.
A bail listening to for the 17-year-old, who turns 18 on Monday, has been scheduled for Jan. 19. He can’t be recognized beneath the Youth Criminal Justice Act.
After his arrest, he was put in 14-day isolation to assist stop the potential unfold of COVID-19. He received’t be capable to attend court docket in individual till that ends.
“The young person has a right to be present during the proceedings and I do have concerns respecting a telephone appearance,” mentioned Crown prosecutor Doug Taylor.
“The attorney general is obliged to put on the record that we are opposed to the young person’s release. The arguments will be made with respect to safety and protection of the public and maintain confidence in the administration of justice.”
Taylor mentioned he could be calling a witness and present a video in the course of the bail listening to.
Memorial nonetheless being deliberate for Sgt. Andrew Harnett
Defence lawyer Balfour Der, who shall be representing Abdulrahman, requested the court docket to adjourn his shopper’s matter till Feb. 4 so Der may assessment the file.
Abdulrahman is going through 4 different excellent prices associated to an assault final fall and failures to look in court docket.
Der, who was beforehand a prosecutor, mentioned he understands how strongly the group feels when a police officer is killed.
“It’s always difficult in a case like this, when you’re standing on the other side with people you’re dealing with on a day-to-day basis, because for me it isn’t personal in any of these cases — they’re doing their jobs and I’m doing mine,” Der mentioned exterior court docket.
“It’s about me representing the interests of this young man, finding out what is there for evidence, and giving him the advice that he needs one way or another.”
Harnett had been with the Calgary Police Service for 12 years and earlier than that had frolicked as a navy police officer with the Canadian Forces.
A spokesman with the police mentioned a memorial for Harnett remains to be being deliberate.
This report by The Canadian Press was first printed Jan. 4, 2021
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