The trial date for a retired Chatham-Kent police officer won't be known until later next month.
The case of Cristelle VandenEnden was up in Chatham court on Tuesday to set a date for her trial, but the matter was pushed to January 31, 2023. A reason was not given or requested.
VandenEnden is facing charges of dangerous operation of a motor vehicle and criminal negligence causing bodily harm following an incident involving a vehicle in Chatham almost two years ago. In January of 2021, VandenEnden was charged after paramedics went to a home in Chatham to assist an injured man. According to Chatham-Kent police, the 40-year-old man was transported to the Chatham-Kent Health Alliance and admitted for medical attention. Police previously said the investigation pointed to an officer who was on medical leave and may have been the driver of the vehicle that caused the man’s injuries.
In September, she changed her mind about a trial.
Her fraud charges have been withdrawn, according to her defence lawyer Jim Dean. Dean also told the court that the other charges, including possession of narcotics and breaching her release conditions were expected to be resolved by the end of next month.
A publication ban prevents further information from being made public. The purpose of the ban is to preserve the rights of the defendant to a fair trial and the presumption of innocence.
