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New special prosecutor appointed to Heed campaign case

The criminal justice branch has appointed a new special prosecutor to oversee the case arising from alleged offences involving former solicitor general Kash Heed's campaign office.

On May 4 Terrence Robertson withdrew from the case, saying he'd realized the fact his law firm Harper Grey LLP donated $1,000 to Heed's campaign was a conflict. He did so a day after laying charges against Heed's campaign manager, his financial agent and a supporter, while declining to approve charges against Heed.

The role of Vancouver lawyer Peter Wilson, who replaces Robertson, will include, “Reviewing legal advice provided to the police by the previous Special Prosecutor, and reaching such conclusions and offering such additional advise as he deems necessary in relation to any such previous advice.”

He will also review the report police prepared for Robertson. “If his assessment differs from that of Mr. Robertson, taking whatever action which he deems appropriate in the independent exercise of his prosecutorial discretion.”

Premier Gordon Campbell reappointed Heed to cabinet on Tuesday, a few hours before Robertson withdrew. Heed was sworn in Tuesday evening, only to resign again Wednesday morning.

Criminal justice branch spokesperson Neil MacKenzie yesterday told the Tyee there are no plans to open other files Robertson acted on, including the one from 2008 where he recommended not laying influence peddling charges against former deputy to the premier Ken Dobell, despite finding it was likely Dobell would be convicted.

Andrew MacLeod is The Tyee’s Legislative Bureau Chief in Victoria. Reach him here.


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