Conviction thrown out for man accused of driving into Vernon firefighter

VERNON – A man convicted of dangerous driving causing bodily harm will have his case heard again due to a technicality. 

Ian Douglas Burns, 28, was found guilty of hitting BX/Swan Lake firefighter Stephan Hidasi with his truck, but a judge has now deemed that ruling null because court procedures weren’t followed.

Crown spokesperson Neil MacKenzie says Burns was not given the opportunity to elect whether he wanted his case heard in provincial or supreme court.

“When that arose late in the proceedings the trial judge determined the matter would have to be fixed for election,” MacKenzie says.

Burns is due back in court in early January to elect where he wishes his case to be heard in provincial or supreme court.

Burns allegedly struck Hidasi with his truck as the firefighter was walking up a rural road to investigate a possible forest fire.

To contact a reporter for this story, email Charlotte Helston at chelston@infonews.ca or call 250-309-5230. To contact the editor, email mjones@infonews.ca or call 250-718-2724.