Citing new information, Crown stays charges against Hugues Latour

The Crown prosecutor's office has decided not to pursueits case against a former Inuvik teacher.

On Aug. 30 inYellowknife, the Crown prosecutor told the court thatthe defence came forward with new information about the case. The court also heard thata Crown witness had come forwardwith new evidence.

As a result the Crown announced plans tostayseven charges againstHugues Latour. These includesexual interference, invitation to sexual touching,trafficking marijuana andfour counts related to the making and possession ofchild pornography.

The prosecution believes the new information eliminates any chance of convicting Latour on the charges.

The nature of the new information has not been made public.

Latour has been fighting the charges in court since 2011 and spent more than a year in custody.

He is currently in Ontario.A judge hasremoved all bail conditions,includingrestrictions on his use of acomputer.

A stay of proceedings is not a finding of guilt or innocence.

The charges could be prosecuted at a later date if new evidence is presented.

The Crown office says thedecision to stay the charges is not related to difficulties finding a French-language jury, whichhave caused delays and a mistrial.