(rdnewsNOW file photo)

By Josh Hall (Twitter: @Vancan19)

occurred september 2020

Crown withdraws assault charge against Red Deer anti-racism event attendee

Jan 14, 2022 | 4:10 PM

An assault charge against a woman who was in attendance at a Sept. 2020 community discussion on anti-racism in Red Deer, which was met by counter-protestors, has been withdrawn.

Taylor McNallie, now 31, was scheduled for trial in Red Deer Provincial Court on one count of Assault with a Weapon on Feb. 18, 2022.

The charge was withdrawn on Jan. 11, rdnewsNOW has learned.

Asked about the reasoning for withdrawal, the Alberta Crown Prosecution Service (ACPS) sent rdnewsNOW the following statement:

“A key duty of a Crown prosecutor is to assess cases on an ongoing basis and ensure all aspects of the evidence are carefully considered at every stage of a prosecution. In general, Crown assessment of files continue to evolve after the initial decision(s) are made to lay charges, and Crown prosecutors continue to evaluate the evidence in light of the prosecution standard that the matter is in the public interest there be a ‘reasonable likelihood of conviction.’ If at any time following the laying of charges the Crown prosecutor becomes aware that there is insufficient evidence to proceed, the charges may be stayed, withdrawn or downgraded.”

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In this case, they add, the Crown prosecutor withdrew the charge against McNallie.

Another person, Trevor Roy, was part of the counter protest at the event 1.5 years ago, and charges against him were dropped in late December because he participated in and completed the Adult Alternative Measures program.

McNallie was not offered the Adult Alternative Measures program, the ACPS shares.

McNallie faces seven other counts, including two for assault with a weapon, all stemming from events which occurred in Calgary between Aug. 5-12, 2021.

RELATED: Trial set for woman charged in Red Deer anti-racism rally incident