York investigators find insufficient grounds to charge Durham officers
York Regional Police have concluded a criminal investigation into an incident at the Oshawa courthouse on Jan. 23 and determined there are "no reasonable grounds" to support criminal charges against any of the Durham Regional Police Service officers involved, the force said in a statement Wednesday.
The case centres on allegations made by defence lawyer Sudine Riley, who says she was working late in a courthouse interview room following a trial when uniformed Durham officers challenged her presence and the interaction turned violent. Riley has alleged officers slammed her head onto a desk, placed knees in her back and neck, handcuffed her and moved her to the basement cells. The allegations also include claims that her headscarf was ripped off and her skirt was raised during the struggle, leaving her bloodied and swollen.
"Investigators concluded there were 'no reasonable grounds' to support criminal charges against any of the officers involved," York Regional Police said.
Referral to independent oversight
Following the conclusion of the criminal probe, Durham Regional Police confirmed the matter has been referred to the Law Enforcement Complaints Agency (LECA) under the Community Safety and Policing Act. LECA is an independent body that will assess whether any misconduct occurred and determine next steps under the complaints framework.
Both the YRP disclosure of findings and Durham Regional Police's referral mean the matter will receive further administrative oversight even though no criminal charges are being pursued.
Timeline and current status
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| Jan. 23 | Alleged incident at Oshawa courthouse involving lawyer Sudine Riley and DRPS officers |
| Subsequent months | York Regional Police assume and complete criminal investigation |
| July (statement) | YRP concludes there are no reasonable grounds for charges; file referred to LECA |
- Allegations: Physical assault, removal of headscarf, injuries described as bloodied and swollen.
- Investigative outcome: No criminal charges by York Regional Police.
- Oversight action: Matter referred to the Law Enforcement Complaints Agency for independent assessment.
The decision not to lay criminal charges does not end public interest in the case. The referral to LECA places the matter into an administrative and oversight process that can investigate conduct and recommend or pursue further administrative consequences, depending on its findings.
For residents who use the Oshawa courthouse and members of the legal community, the incident and the subsequent handling by police forces raise questions about courtroom security, the treatment of legal counsel while performing professional duties, and how allegations involving law enforcement are reviewed.
Local lawyers and court staff were among those who had followed the case closely when it first emerged. The YRP statement provides the criminal law perspective that investigators did not find evidence sufficient for charges, while the referral to LECA opens a separate avenue for potential findings of misconduct. LECA's review will be independent of the criminal analysis and may consider different standards and remedies.
The Durham Regional Police Service has indicated it acted in accordance with the statutory process to refer the file to LECA. No additional details about the internal administrative process or any timeline for LECA's review were provided in the communications from the police services.
As this matter proceeds through LECA, residents and members of the Oshawa legal community will likely await further information about any administrative findings or recommendations. The city’s courthouse remains a focal point for public confidence in both access to justice and the conduct of those who enforce the law.
