'Freedom Convoy' organizer Pat King arrives at court in Ottawa on Friday, Nov. 22, 2024. (THE CANADIAN PRESS/Sean Kilpatrick)

By Canadian Press

Freedom Convoy trial

UPDATED: Pat King found guilty of mischief for role in ‘Freedom Convoy’

Nov 22, 2024 | 9:35 AM

Pat King, one of the most prominent figures of the 2022 “Freedom Convoy” in Ottawa, has been found guilty on five counts including mischief and disobeying a court order.

A judge in an Ottawa courtroom today said the Crown proved beyond a reasonable doubt that King was guilty on one count each of mischief, counselling others to commit mischief, counselling others to obstruct police and two counts of disobeying a court order.

The Alberta resident was found not guilty on three counts of intimidation and one count of obstructing police himself.

King’s defence argued that King was peacefully protesting during the three-week demonstration in Ottawa that gridlocked downtown streets to oppose COVID-19 public health restrictions.

But the Crown alleged he was a protest leader who was instrumental to the disruption it caused the city and people who lived and worked nearby.

Milestone anniversaries

Parkland Ambulance turns 50

22h ago

Court proceedings

Woman involved in death of Saskatoon mother, handed 18 year prison sentence

Nov 21, 2024

Brunch n' Lunch

Eggsmart: The new take on breakfast

Nov 21, 2024

The Crown’s case relied mainly on King’s own videos, which he posted to social media throughout the protest to document the demonstration and communicate with protesters.

—

Previously:

Decision expected today in trial for Convoy protester Pat King

A judge is expected to issue a decision this morning in the criminal case against one of the most prominent figures of the 2022 “Freedom Convoy” in Ottawa.

Pat King pleaded not guilty to mischief, counselling others to commit mischief, obstructing police and other offences for his role in the blockade.

His defence argued that King was peacefully protesting during the three-week demonstration in Ottawa that gridlocked downtown streets to oppose COVID-19 public health restrictions.

But the Crown alleged he was a protest leader who was instrumental to the disruption it caused the city and people who lived and worked nearby.

The Crown’s case relies mainly on King’s own videos, which he posted to social media throughout the protest to document the demonstration and communicate with protesters.

His trial wrapped in July and, if convicted, King could be facing more than 10 years in prison.