Mayor Brian Jackson and Coun. Bill Pring will head into mediation sessions before Jackson’s next court appearance on assault and threatening charges.
Jackson’s lawyer, Mark Sandler, suggested the move last week to the Crown Attorney’s office, which accepted the mediation plan with Pring’s consent.
“He’s allowed to communicate with Pring for mediation purposes,” Sandler said. “It’s a way to see how we can move forward with this case. It’s not unusual. I’ve proposed it a number of times before. It’s not something you would propose in a more serious case.”
On Jan. 27, Jackson made his first court appearance since being charged July 2. He has yet to enter a plea before the courts, Sandler said.
Jackson was charged following a behind-closed-doors incident with Pring during a recess in a June 24 council meeting. Jackson could be heard over his lapel microphone shouting and swearing at Pring in a room adjacent to the council chambers. South Simcoe Police investigated, alleging he pushed the councillor. Deputy Mayor Gord Wauchope was the only witness in the room at the time.
Jackson later publicly apologized for using profanity.
Results of the mediation process will be reported back to the court Mar. 10 during Jackson’s next pre-trial date, Sandler said.
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