Charges have been dropped against the Castlegar man accused of starting a fire outside of a downtown Castlegar business on June 5.
Riley Jackson was charged with arson after he was identified on video surveillance. However, Crown Counsel has decided to drop the charges.
According to Dan McLaughlin, communications counsel for the BC Prosecution Service, “The decision to stay the charge was made after the assigned Crown Counsel received further information about the incident.”
“After receiving this information, the assigned Crown conducted a careful review of all the materials and information available and concluded that the charge assessment standard for proceeding with criminal charges could no longer be met.”
The prosecution service applies a two-part test to determine whether criminal charges will be approved, and a prosecution initiated or continued. Prosecutors must independently, objectively and fairly measure all available evidence against a two-part test:
1. whether there is a substantial likelihood of conviction; and, if so,
2. whether the public interest requires a prosecution.
Jackson misses second court appearance
On Aug 23, a new arrest warrant was issued for Jackson after he failed to appear at a scheduled court appearance related to a theft charge and failing to appear for a different court appearance.
Jackson previously skipped court on July 26 related to the arson case.
He is also charged with breach of undertaking.
READ MORE: RCMP working to identify suspect in Castlegar break and enter
betsy.kline@castlegarnews.com
follow us on Twitter