Former Kelowna Mayor Colin Basran at his re-election campaign launch last fall.
(ROB MUNRO / iNFOnews.ca)
December 07, 2022 - 2:18 PM
A special prosecutor has approved a single charge of sexual assault against former Kelowna Mayor Colin Basran.
His first court appearance on the charge is scheduled for Jan. 24. The sexual assault was alleged to have occurred in Kelowna in May 2022.
It was initially investigated by Kelowna RCMP and reviewed by Nelson Police Department before the report to Crown counsel was forwarded to the Special Prosecutor, according to a B.C. Prosecution Service media release issued today, Dec. 7.
Vancouver lawyer Brock Martland was appointed as the Special Prosecutor.
“The appointment of a Special Prosecutor is intended to avoid any potential for real or perceived improper influence in the administration of justice considering the nature of the allegations and the identity of the accused as an elected municipal official,” states the B.C. Prosecution Service release.
“He was given a mandate to provide legal advice to the RCMP investigators as may be necessary, conduct any related charge assessment, and assume conduct of the prosecution if charges were approved. Mr. Martland has now approved a single charge of sexual assault contrary to section 271 of the Criminal Code against Mr. Basran.”
The City of Kelowna issued a statement this afternoon saying neither city hall staff nor elected officials will comment on the charge against Basran as the matter is before the courts.
Basran lost to Tom Dyas in the Oct. 15 election for mayor.
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