A special prosecutor has been named to take on a Nanaimo case because the offences were allegedly committed against family members of a Crown counsel member.
In a press release, the B.C. Prosecution Service announced appointment of Gail Barnes, a veteran lawyer practising in the Lower Mainland, to look into a case involving Christopher Douglas Bartos. He was initially charged with two counts of break-and-enter and single counts of robbery, aggravated assault, theft of a motor vehicle and breach of release order for incidents alleged to have happened on Sept. 2.
On Sept. 11, Bartos was charged with seven more offences, including dangerous operation of a motor vehicle and resisting arrest, and on Wednesday, Oct. 23, Barnes approved three additional charges.
The special prosecutor was named "to avoid any potential for real or perceived improper influence in the administration of justice," the press release stated.
The next court appearance related to the case is scheduled for Port Alberni on Nov. 6.
karl.yu@nanaimobulletin.com
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