Lawyers for Saskatoon officer fired over Hells Angels connection allege abuse of process

WATCH: A hearing for a former Saskatoon police officer appealing his dismissal took a turn Thursday. The officer's lawyers are alleging abuse of process and cal

A hearing for a former Saskatoon police officer appealing his dismissal took a turn Thursday, with his lawyers alleging abuse of process and seeking his immediate reinstatement.

Sgt. Robbie Taylor was fired from the Saskatoon Police Service in March over a friendship with a person associated with the Hells Angels.

The associate cannot be named due to a publication ban.

Saskatoon police Chief Cam McBride testified Wednesday about a 2023 incident where Taylor tried to stop another officer from giving the associate a traffic ticket.

A report about the matter was sent to then-Chief Troy Cooper, who decided not to pursue discipline or further investigation.

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Taylor’s lawyer, Brian Pfefferle, said they were never informed of that decision and called it suspicious that no memo documenting the matter was disclosed. He said the information could have influenced their legal strategy and witness questioning.

“You really just start revisiting the entire case and how you would approach it,” Pfefferle told reporters.

“Who did Chief Cooper interview for this? Was there some problem with one of the versions of events?”

During the hearing, the police service’s lawyer, Ashley Smith, said it’s not unusual for there to be no memo when no action is taken. She argued the hearing was not unfairly impacted and said there was “extensive” cross-examination on the issue while McBride was on the stand.

Independent hearing officer Ronni Nordal said she is unsure when a decision on the abuse of process allegation will be made. The hearing is set to resume Friday.

If abuse of process is found, Taylor’s legal team says he should be reinstated.