PEI

Prosecution investigating whether cadet court martial case can move forward

Court martial proceedings involving a P.E.I. army reserve captain were unexpectedly adjourned again on Friday.

Prosecution examining whether new information could imperil expectation of conviction

Capt. Todd Bannister, seen above arriving in court on Monday, has been under suspension as commanding officer of a cadet corps in Charlottetown since the unit found out about allegations of inappropriate language directed at two female cadets. (Brian Higgins/CBC)

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  • Todd Bannister pleaded guilty to two charges at a retrial in January 2020.

Court martial proceedings involving a suspended P.E.I. army reserve captain were unexpectedly adjourned again on Friday.

The court heard the prosecution is now trying to determine if the case can proceed at all.

Capt. Todd Bannister has pleaded not guilty to charges of disgraceful conduct for allegedly making inappropriate sexual comments to female cadets. Two complainants testified this week.

But today, the miliary prosecutor, Maj. M.E. Leblond, told court she needs an adjournment to examine new information that has come to light.

She said that information may mean there is no longer a reasonable expectation of conviction. Court has not heard what that information is.

A court spokesperson said military police are investigating.

The court martial proceeding resumes Tuesday.