Saskatchewan police officer on trial for in-custody death has charges stayed [Video]

A Saskatchewan police officer who faced criminal charges in connection with a man’s in-custody death will not be going to trial — the Crown has opted to stay the charges.

Thirty-three-year-old Saul Laliberte was found unresponsive in his cell in the Prince Albert police detention on November 7, 2021. A paramedic on shift provided care prior to the arrival of an ambulance. He was pronounced dead at Victoria Hospital.

The officer responsible for his care, Sgt. Tyson Morash, was charged with criminal negligence causing death and failing to provide the necessities of life two years later, based on a recommendation from the Crown.

In an email on Monday, a Ministry of Justice spokesperson told CTV News the Crown has opted to stay the charges after a period of review.

“To move forward with a prosecution, Public Prosecutions must be satisfied that there is a reasonable likelihood of conviction and that …