Ear torn and ribs fractured during arrest by Edmonton police, court hears

An Edmonton man whose criminal trial wrapped up this week says his charter rights were violated during a violent arrest that left him with fractured ribs and a ripped ear that had to be "glued" back on.

In a charter application filed in Edmonton provincial court, Duane Laver, 40, saidhe was pepper sprayed and struck multiple times after he was placed in handcuffs last November.

Defence lawyer David Wolsey argued for a stay of proceedings. Hesaid if the court does not find his client's constitutional rights were breached then Laver should be given a reduced sentence of 311 days, equal to the time he hasalready served in remand.

"A stay would be warranted to send a message to (the Edmonton police service) that this is not the type of conduct that is acceptable," Wolsey said Wednesday during closing arguments. "It's shocking to say the least."

Crown prosecutor Ian Elford argued that police used the appropriate amount of force to arrest Laver, who was unwilling to surrender.

"He exaggerated the force used, he exaggerated the injuries he received," said Elford, who asked for a total sentence of 32 months.

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Laver pleaded guilty tocriminal flight, possession of a stolen vehicle and disqualified driving. He is also charged with several other offences, including resisting arrest, hit and run, possession of a dangerous weapon and possession of stolen property.

Assistant chief judge Larry Anderson is expected hand down his decision on July 23.

Ear glued in place

OnNov. 19, 2018, police tried to pull over Laver, who was driving with apassenger in a stolen Buick Enclave,according to the charter application.

Laver fled for a few blocks before hitting a curb and losing control. The SUV struck two vehicles and a street lightnear 106th Street and 107th Avenue.

Laver fled on foot until an officer drew his pistol andorderedhim to the ground, the court document said.

"He was placed into handcuffs, after which he was pepper sprayed and struck multiple times by the attending officers," the charter application said. "He was struck all over his body, including a closed fist to the face."

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Laver alleged the abuse continued after he was put into a police van.

"EPS members continued to punch and kick him. One officer was dropping his knees on the applicant's chest. The applicant lost consciousness briefly," the court document said.

Laversaid the arrest left him with cut fingers, bruises and two fractured ribs.

During treatment at the Misericordia Hospital, Laver's ear had to be "glued in place," the application said

Laver also accuses police of denying him the right to counsel.

Officer denies striking suspect

On Wednesday, the last of four police witnesses testified.

Const. Andrew Jarvissaid he and his partner and other officersresponded to a call of an officer in distress. Jarvis said by the time he arrived, Const. James Wirrell had already arrested Laver and deployed pepper spray.

Jarvis said Laver was resisting arrest, so he used a wrist lock to walk him to a waitingpolice van, where he was put inhead first. He denied that he threw Laver into the van, or struck him.

"I remember I did not strike Mr. Laver," said Jarvis.

"Is it possible some of those other officers punched and kicked Mr. Laver?" Wosleyasked.

"It is possible," Jarvis replied.

Officer feared suspect was armed

In his closing argument, Elford said Wirrell used reasonable force during the arrest, which involved a lengthy struggle. Wirrel was on his own at the time and feared Laver could have a weapon in his bag, the prosecutor said.

Elfordpointed to Laver's lengthy criminal history, which dates back to 1999 and includes convictions of criminal flight, dangerous driving, resisting a peace officer and possession of a controlled substance and firearm.

A Gladue report submitted to the court highlighted Laver's problems with addiction, time spent in group homes and physical abuse endured as a child.

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Before the proceedings wrapped up, Laverstood up in the prisoner's box to address the court.

He said he has attended six months of a voluntary boot camp in the remand centre, which combines military drills with self-improvement programsin areas such as parenting, substance abuse and anger management.

"I'm actively trying to change my life, which I hope would show the court treatment and rehabilitation would be the best sentence I could get," said Laver.

Edmonton police declined to comment while the case is before the courts.