The Canadian Press
TORONTO—A Toronto police officer sentenced to six years for gunning down a troubled teen on an empty streetcar three years ago has been granted bail while he appeals the conviction.
The appeal judge, Justice Eileen Gillese, said in her decision that Cst. James Forcillo poses no risk to the public “as there is no risk that he would commit further offences.”
Gillese noted that until yesterday, the Crown consented to bail being granted every time the issue arose, including after Forcillo, 33, was convicted of attempted murder in January in the death of Sammy Yatim, 18.
A condition of Forcillo’s bail is that he surrender himself on Nov. 9.
If the appeal isn’t ready to be heard, Gillese said the surrender date can be modified.
At sentencing yesterday, Justice Edward Then said Forcillo abused his authority in a way that undermines public trust in law enforcement and the justice system.
In letting loose a second volley of shots on Yatim, Then said Forcillo committed an “egregious breach of trust” and his sentence must serve as notice to other officers.
