Hells Angels mega-trial comes to an end, 5 men freed

The judge in the Hells Angels mega-trial has put an end to the proceedings, releasing five men accused of murder and conspiracy.

Judge James Brunton ruled that some of the evidence was not properly divulged to the defence.

The five Claude Berger, Yvon Tanguay, Franois Vachon, Sylvain Vachon and Michel Vallires were freed afterBrunton released his decision today.

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Jean-Pascal Boucher from the Crown prosecutor's office saidhis department will examine the ruling.

"In the next days we'll analyze the decision, take time to evaluate the options for usand to decide if it's an opportunity to appeal...this decision," said Boucher.

SharQcarrests in 2009

A totalof 156 people were arrested in 2009 on charges ofmurder, conspiracy to commit murder, drug trafficking and gangsterismduring theSharQcoperation amassive sting aimed at dismantling the outlaw motorcycle gang.

In order to avoid a trial 105of those arrested havepleaded guilty, some of those to lesser charges. Another 31 were released in 2011after a judge ruled there had been unreasonable delays in their cases.

The charges against ChristianMnardwere dropped. He had been facing charges offirst-degreemurder and conspiracy to commitmurder in connection with a killing 14 years ago.

The final pair of accused, Robert Bonomo and John Coates, are scheduled to begin an English-language trial in January of 2017.