A photo taken of the accused at the time of the incident last February. (Submitted photo/Prince Albert Police Service)

By Nigel Maxwell

COVID Rage

Crown withdraws charge in retail store punching incident

Jun 23, 2022 | 8:00 AM

A man accused of punching a woman repeatedly for allegedly not following COVID-related protocols has had his charge withdrawn.

Darryl Gray, 71, was not present when his matters were discussed Wednesday afternoon at Prince Albert Provincial Court.

Judge Daunt was informed Gray had completed “alternatives measures” and so no further action was being taken by the Crown. In relation to the reported incident on Feb. 1st, Gray was facing a single charge of assault.

The complainant, who spoke to paNOW the day after the incident, described how while out shopping she was approached twice by a stranger, who took issue with her for allegedly not following the social distancing arrows on the floor. She said the man pushed her into a nearby shelving unit and then repeatedly punched her.

When asked by paNOW what the alternative measures involved, neither the Crown nor a court worker could provide details.

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According to information provided on the provincial government’s website, alternative measures programs provide individuals, who are accused of committing a Criminal Code offence, an opportunity to make reparation to victims and their community without having to go through the court process.

Both the store owner and the victim have confirmed for paNOW that neither was provided with a letter of apology. The store did however present the woman with a $100 gift card.

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nigel.maxwell@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @nigelmaxwell