Orillia OPP officer convicted of assaulting woman during arrest

An Orillia OPP officer has been found guilty of assault causing bodily harm after choking and pinning a woman against cell bars during an arrest four years ago.

An Orillia OPP officer has been found guilty of assault causing bodily harm after choking and pinning a woman against cell bars during an arrest four years ago.

On Thursday, Justice John Olver said Const. Bailey Nicholls used excessive force during the arrest of a woman while removing her jewelry in a jail cell, resulting in her needing five stitches for her injuries.

On Sept. 7, 2019, OPP officers arrested a woman outside the Studabakers Beachside restaurant in Orillia for public intoxication and brought her to the Orillia OPP detachment.

The Ontario Provincial Police Association said it's reviewing the judge's reasons for finding the 8-year OPP veteran guilty.

"The OPP Association will fully support OPP Provincial Constable Bailey Nicholls to the conclusion of this proceeding. We believed that the evidence would result in the acquittal of PC Nicholls, and Thursday's decision is obviously very disappointing," said John Cerasuolo, Ontario Provincial Police Association President.

"We are analyzing and reviewing the decision of Justice Olver, and once the legal process is concluded, a determination will be made about the merits of an appeal."

Const. Nicholls will return to court in late November to set a date for sentencing.