Toronto police officers were 'misleading' to justify use of force during raid of rapper's condo: judge | CBC News Loaded
But it's unclear what the punishment will be, if any, for the five officers involved. For now, they're still doing their jobs — jobs that, for some, involve teaching other officers how to do theirs.Bent's lawyer called the situation "troubling." Bent admitted to throwing a guitar case, which court documents say contained a long gun and ammunition, off the balcony of his 37th-floor unit. But it's what happened after that's at the core of the dispute.Bent testified he had just left the bedroom — and had his hands up — when he was Tasered. However, Const.
Moorcraft and Romita testified they do not remember this, although Sgt. Richard Macfarlane testified they were both there when Bent was dragged. Police pulled a dread out of Bent's head when they dragged him out of his condo unit in 2021. The judge ruled police didn't need to use the Taser because Bent clearly wasn't armed and wasn't near the satchel.
She found the other officers — Moorcroft, Macfarlane and Const. Pawel Lecki — not remembering if Bent was shirtless was inaccurate and an effort to suggest Bent may have had a hidden weapon. She said that testimony "belies any good faith." Keith Merith, a retired superintendent with York Regional Police, says there is no justification for officers being misleading in court.
Hilary Dudding, Bent's lawyer, says there should be more ways to hold officers accountable for lying in court.