Mountie who pulled knife on bishop sentenced

A Saskatchewan RCMP officer who pulled a knife on a Mormon church official in Regina in 2006 likely won't end up with a criminal record after receiving a conditional discharge.

On Tuesday, Const. Kevin Gregson, 40, pleaded guilty in a Regina court to uttering a death threat.

Provincial court judge Bruce Henningheard that about 10 months ago, an off-duty Gregson approached Bishop Robert Howie about receiving what's called a "temple recommend"— a card that allows members to enter a Mormon temple for such ceremonies as marriages or baptisms.

However, the bishop told Gregson he had additional spiritual work to do in order to receive the recommendation.

According to Crown prosecutor Anthony Gerein, Gregson became angry and said: "I'm a cop, I'm not like the rest of you."

He then pulled out a knife — described as about eight inches long with a four-inch blade— and said, "You don't know how many ways I've been taught to kill."

Howie was worried that Gregson was going to kill him, Gerein said.

Afterhe calmed down, Gregson left the bishop's office complaining about feeling "messed up" in his head, court heard.

Several months after the incident,Gregson was diagnosed with cysts in his brain. He has since undergone brain surgery.

Medical condition a factor

Gregson didn't say anything at the sentencing, but afterwards his lawyer, David Bishop, said the judge had factoredhis client's conditioninto the sentence.

"The medical condition played a large role —the actual medical condition itself, but also the delay in getting it properly diagnosed and the delays in our systems in getting in for MRIs and the follow-ups," Bishop said.

The sentence means that if Gregson doesn't get into any additional trouble over the next 18 months, he won't have a criminal record.

Gregson, who worked out of the RCMP'sRegina headquarters,was suspendedwith pay from the RCMP following the May 2006 incident. Bishop said he will likely face further disciplinary action.