A judge has thrown out corruption charges against two former police officers and the former head of the union.
Det.-Const. William McCormack Jr, Const. George Kouroudis and Rick McIntosh allegedly accepted bribes from club owners in the Entertainment District.
On Monday, Superior Court Justice Bonnie Croll ruled that excessive delays in the case was a violation of their rights.
"We are obviously relieved at the outcome," lawyer Jay Naster said on Monday.
"We are very appreciative of the courage Her Honour has shown in making this decision."
The three were charged in 2004. It was alleged that they helped bar owners either get a liquor license or avoid punishment for license violations. Kouroudis also owned a club in the District.
McCormack's father is the former chief of police.
"During my 41 years of policing, I've always had faith in the administration of justice. Justice has been served just now," William McCormack said outside the court.
Recently, a similar ruling was overturned.
Six
former members of the Toronto police drug squad were first charged with a variety of offenses in 2004. In January of 2008, the charges were stayed because the trial took too long.
The 30 corruption charges were based on allegations they
conducted searches without warrants, falsified notes to hide those alleged facts
and didn't account for all of the money seized in drug investigations, as well
as extortion and assault allegations.
In October, a judge ruled that the six men would have to stand trial.