The trial of a Greater Sudbury Police Service officer charged with uttering threats and causing a disturbance has been adjourned to next month in Espanola court.
Melisa Rancourt was originally charged with assault as well, but that charge was dropped.
Over the last two days, four of the Crown’s witnesses testified to the events of February 11th, 2024, at the Espanola Regional Recreation Complex; the senior referee, a player whose identify is protected under a publication ban, a parent and an off-duty Manitoulin OPP officer.
The referee testified the game was hotly contested and one of the visiting players had done a bit of a celebration skate in front of the Espanola bench, adding he could clearly see Rancourt was visibly agitated.
In court, the player added that in the hallway following the game, Rancourt said “if you guys do another celebration like that, I’ll make sure you never skate again.”
The player then asked her how she would do that, to which she allegedly replied she ‘could break his and teammates’ ankles’.
The parent and OPP officer both testified that there was a ‘disturbance’ in the hallway, although both admitted they did not clearly hear what was said but were aware of raised voices.
The court also viewed soundless video footage captured by a surveillance camera showing a brief interaction between Rancourt and the youth.
Another witness for the Crown, as well as Rancourt and four other witnesses with the defence are expected to take the stand October 28th.
