Appeal of an N.S. RCMP officer’s sexual assault acquittal has been abandoned by Crown

An appeal by the Crown against a Nova Scotia RCMP officer's acquittal on sexual assault charges has been abandoned, according to reports. Constable William McNutt had previously been suspended without pay since January 2024 after being found not guilty of two counts of sexual assault by Judge Del Atwood on August 5. The Crown had initially decided to appeal the decision, citing alleged errors by the trial judge.

However, on October 13, the appeal was dropped by the Crown, with the Public Prosecution Service stating that they found no grounds for an appeal. McNutt remains facing a single count of sexual assault related to an alleged 2024 incident, with a trial date set for November 2 at a provincial court. Four other sexual assault charges against him were dismissed due to court delays.

In late May, Judge Ian Hutchison granted a judicial stay for related charges of assault, threatening behavior, and sexual assault due to delays.