By Chelsea Laskowski

Mountie pleads not guilty on child porn charge: lawyer

Jan 28, 2015 | 3:58 PM

A Saskatchewan Mountie charged with having and accessing child pornography believes investigating officers of the same stripes were mistaken, according to his lawyer.

Aiden Arthur Pratchett, 31, was removed from his station as general duty constable in Fond-du-Lac in October 2014.

He was arrested at the end of December. Pratchett’s attendance was waived at his first scheduled appearance at Prince Albert Provincial Court on Wednesday.

His lawyer, Mark Brayford, entered not guilty pleas, and bypassed a preliminary hearing. Pre-trial and trial dates are now set.

“We’re trying to move this forward as quickly as we can. Obviously, it’s not good for a police officer to have a criminal charge hanging over their head,” Brayford told reporters outside court.

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The Saskatchewan Internet Child Exploitation Unit (ICE) seized several personal computers from Pratchett’s home in October, and he was suspended with pay. They had launched an investigation the month before.

“The formal arresting, which he attended voluntarily to deal with the charges, he was aware that charges might be coming forward and co-operated in dealing with them,” Brayford said.

He said Pratchett hired him “once he became aware of the charges.”

Pratchett was released on conditions including no internet access, no contact with anyone under 16, and that he cannot possess any data storage devices.

Brayford said Pratchett’s release soon after his arrest is typical for someone without a criminal record.

“His charges proceeded totally as though he was any other individual. He didn’t get any special treatment because he was a police officer,” Brayford said.

“I wouldn’t want there to be any suggestion that he was treated in a special way or differently.”

Leading into the trial, Brayford said he and his client “hope everyone would keep an open mind.”

Two pre-trial dates have been set, and the trial is set for Oct. 5-9.

claskowski@rawlco.com

On Twitter: @chelsealaskowsk