Toting angry signs and banners, more than 100 motorcycling enthusiasts rallied outside the Surrey Provincial Courthouse Tuesday against an RCMP officer who killed a young motorcyclist.
Cpl. Monty Robinson faces a single charge of obstruction of justice in connection with a fatal crash that killed 21-year-old Orion Hutchison in Tsawwassen last year.
The group is upset impaired driving charges will not proceed against Robinson, who has said he went home and had a few drinks after the crash.
He was off-duty at the time.
B.C. Coalition of Motorcyclists director Adele Tompkins said several B.C. groups feel it is a miscarriage of justice for the officer not to be charged with drinking and driving.
Some protesters held signs reading 'The new definition of cop killer,' and 'Justice for All' on courthouse steps.
Robinson's lawyer appeared on his behalf in court Tuesday afternoon. His proceedings are being held over until January 15.
Legal loophole
Last week critics called for the closure of a legal loophole after the B.C. attorney general's office said Robinson would face a lesser charge of obstruction of justice.
By admitting to drinking after the crash, Robinson throws into question what his blood alcohol level was at the time of the accident.
Former Attorney General Wally Oppal says there is a loophole in the law known as the 'last drink defence.' He agrees that it needs to be closed.
"It was felt by many ministers of justice and attorneys general across the country that this defense was occurring all too frequently," he said.
"It's another way of closing that avenue of acquittal, so that's being looked at by the federal government."
A spokesperson for the current attorney general said the last-drink defence is a legitimate legal option.
