By Ryan Pilon

Former Prince Albert police officer denies doing anything wrong

Jan 18, 2011 | 5:19 AM

The man fighting to get his job back with the Prince Albert Police Service testified in front of the Saskatchewan Police Commission.

Patrick Robin was dismissed from the service in March of 2010 for, among other reasons, prosecuting a case himself after the Crown prosecutor decided to drop the case.

The case involved a Prince Albert man, who in June of 2009, was accused of becoming upset and driving aggressively around some youths playing soccer, as well as other bystanders, after a soccer ball bounced off his truck.

Robin issued the man a traffic violation ticket for dangerous driving, which the man disputed. However, when it entered the court system, Crown prosecutor Joseph Kulyk wanted to drop it.

Robin said he asked Kulyk, “Are you saying (the man) gets a free pass in this town?”

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He then contacted the witnesses, Ron Moniuk, Mike Parenteau, and Louis Lukowski, and told him the Crown was dropping the case, but if they wanted, he would prosecute the case for them.

On the day of the trial, Mike Parenteau hadn't shown up. Robin said he called him, and Parenteau informed him that a Sgt. with the Prince Albert Police Service told him not to show up. Robin informed him the trial was indeed still on and Parenteau promptly arrived, and he, along with Louis Lukowski and his daughter, gave their testimonies. The case was then adjourned for a later date.

Robin was then placed on administrative leave for prosecuting the case.

Robin testified that Ian Reiman, a retired police officer of more than 20 years, advised him that he could legally prosecute the case and that he had done so previously with no troubles.

Robin also said that he began his policing with the RCMP in British Columbia before joining the Prince Albert Police Service in 2006. He said there are differences between the policies of the RCMP and Prince Albert Police Service, and had never been instructed about the service's policies during his training.

Robin said that after informing him of his administrative leave, Chief McFee told him, “I want to hear your side of the story, but not now.” Robin said he also told him not appear at the next court proceeding, that a Crown prosecutor would do so. Robin said he was never given the chance to tell the chief his side of the story and that the case was dropped that very day.

Robin then filed a complaint with the RCMP, intending it to be confidential. However, the complaint was forwarded to the Prince Albert Police Service and the PCC.

Robin said Reiman also contacted the witnesses anonymously, suggesting they speak out. It was after the calls were made that Robin was dismissed.

Robin's lawyer, Terry Zakreski, also disputed the Prince Albert Police Service's claim that Robin was difficult to work with, presenting to the commission Robin's performance reviews, which were all exceptional.

The Crown will question Robin today.

rpilon@panow.com