VPD officers’ assault trial abruptly adjourned before 2nd day of testimony begins

VPD constables Josh Wong (front) and Brian Hunt (back) are pictured exiting the New Westminster Law Courts on Tuesday, May 5.

Just one day after it began, the trial of two Vancouver Police Department officers facing criminal charges over an off-duty incident at a Yaletown nightclub has been abruptly adjourned.

Constables Josh Wong and Brian Hunt each face one count of assault allegedly committed during a confrontation at Isabelle’s on Hamilton Street.

The second day of the trial did not proceed as originally planned.

Instead, the court heard it’s no longer clear if one of the Crown’s key witnesses, who is in India, will testify.

There are two alleged victims in the case and one of them began his testimony on the first day of the trial.

He is still under cross-examination by Kevin Westell, Wong’s lawyer.

Before the testimony could resume, the defence lawyers requested a 45-minute recess to speak with their clients regarding an unexpected development.

When court reconvened, the Crown said the second alleged victim was “either unwilling or unable to come to Canada to testify.”

The defence asked for an adjournment and the judge granted it.

Barring any other new developments, the trial is scheduled to resume on Monday – but it’s not yet clear how the potential lack of testimony from one of the alleged victims will impact the Crown’s case.