Rehtaeh Parsons review put on hold

The independent review into how Nova Scotia police and prosecutors handled the Rehtaeh Parsons case is being put on hold until two child pornography cases wind their way through the courts.

The announcement updating the review was made Thursday morning.

Parsons, 17, took her own life this spring. Her family says she was sexually assaulted by four boys at a November 2011 party.

A digital photo of the alleged assault began to circulate and her family says Parsons was mocked by classmates and endured relentless harassment and humiliation.

For three months, former Ontario deputy attorney general Murray Segal has investigated whether police and Crown attorneys followed procedure when they initially decided not to lay charges.

When his appointment was announced in August, Segal said he would also examine the effect of technology on young people and their families

Child pornography charges were eventually laid against two young men, but not until months after the teenage girl committed suicide. 

Glen Canning, Parsons's father, said he's been told those cases have complicated Segal's investigation.

The issue is that as Segal interviews police officers about what actions they did or did not take, there are concerns those conversations could be subpoenaed and brought into the court case.

Canning said he's been told the review will restart once the child porn cases have moved through the courts.

He said he understands Segal's decision to suspend his review. Canning said he was told it's in the best interest of the review.