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Connie Oakes files lawsuit against Alberta Crown, MHPS over wrongful conviction

May 1, 2018 | 11:51 AM

 

MEDICINE HAT, AB — A woman wrongfully convicted in a 2011 murder is suing a Crown prosecutors and several members of the Medicine Hat Police Service.

Connie Oakes has filed a statement of claim in Medicine Hat Court of Queen’s Bench, and is seeking $1 million in damages.

According to the statement of claim, eight members of the police service and Police Chief Andy McGrogan were named in the lawsuit, along with Crown prosecutor Andrea Dolan.

Oakes was convicted in 2013 of second-degree murder in connection with the death of Casey Armstrong, who was found dead in his trailer in May 2011.

A co-accused, Wendy Scott, pleaded guilty to the same charge.

The Alberta Court of Appeal overturned the convictions for Oakes and Scott and ordered new trials in April 2016. The retrials were ordered after Scott, who has an IQ of 50 and cognitive difficulties, recanted her confession and testimony. The only evidence against Oakes came from Scott’s testimony.

The charges against both women were later stayed by the Crown.

The claim alleges the Medicine Hat Police Service was “negligent” and the Crown was “malicious”.

While in prison, Oakes said she “endured some harsh conditions” including not being allowed to visit her dying son or to attend his funeral.

She claims to suffer from anxiety and depression and endured mental anguish, humiliation, and other psychological injuries.

Chief Andy McGrogan told CHAT News he has yet to see the paperwork, but said he’ll wait to “let the courts sort it out”.

The Solicitor Generals office said it would be inappropriate to comment because the case is before the courts.

Members of the Armstrong family also declined to comment.

A statement of defence has not been filed.

Oakes is reportedly living in Saskatoon after pleading guilty last year to charges of aggravated assault, forcible confinement and uttering threats following a stabbing at a home near Maple Creek in April 2017.