Sexual assault charge against former mayor Colin Basran is stayed

Proceedings in the sexual assault case against former Kelowna mayor Colin Basran have been stayed.

The BC Prosecution Service (BCPS) announced Thursday their Special Prosecutor Brock Martland KC had directed the stay of proceedings.

Basran said he was 'deeply relieved' by the news.

The BCPS said Martland made the decision after receiving further information from counsel for the accused and police investigators.

After receiving this information, it said the Special Prosecutor conducted a careful review of all the materials and information available and concluded that the charge assessment standard for proceeding with criminal charges could no longer be met.

In a statement the BCPS said the prosecutor weighed two elements: whether there is a substantial likelihood of conviction; and, if so, whether the public interest requires a prosecution.

Martland was appointed Special Prosecutor in October, 2022.

The alleged sexual assault happened in May, 2022 while Basran was the sitting mayor.

In terms of the law, a stay of proceedings means the Crown has dropped the charges against the accused, although for a serious charge, the prosecution may re-start matters within one year of the stay.

In a statement released to media following the decision Basran said: "I am deeply relieved that this matter is over.

"I want to thank those who stood by me during this difficult time. I will have nothing further to say on this matter and kindly ask for privacy at this time."