No charges in Frank Paul death

The British Columbia Crown Attorney's office has decided not to lay charges in the death of Frank Paul, a former Big Cove resident who was dumped in an alley by Vancouver Police officers in December 1998.

The 47-year-old Mi'kmaq man from New Brunswick died of exposure.

He had been held that night in the police drunk tank, but was later dragged outside into the alley, still highly intoxicated.

Solicitor General Rich Coleman had forwarded the case to Crown lawyers for a review. And they have now decided charges are not warranted.

This was the fifth time the Crown has looked at the case.

Crown spokesperson Geoff Gaul says a review of new evidence – two new witness statements – determined no criminal charges should be laid.

"Is there sufficient evidence that we could prove on a criminal standard, beyond a reasonable doubt, that somebody was culpable for Mr. Paul's death.

"And the conclusion of all five assessments is that no, we can't prove it." says Gaul.

The solicitor general has already rejected a call by the Police Complaints Commissioner for a public inquiry.