The case of a former Chatham-Kent police officer will be going to trial after several delays because of her health issues and multiple discussions to resolve the matter.
Windsor Crown Attorney Andrew Telford-Keogh told a Chatham court on Tuesday that he was notified last month by Cristelle Vanden Enden's lawyer that she has changed her mind and wants a trial.
Telford-Keogh is on the case because it involves a retired police officer from Chatham-Kent.
"We had some discussions on September 16 and it was on that date that Mr. Dean (defence lawyer) advised me that Miss Vanden Enden wishes to have a trial," said Telford-Keogh. "It's been going on for a long time with the understanding that Miss Vanden Enden was getting her affairs in order for resolution purposes. That has since changed, which is her right, but that's why the matter is here today and has taken this long."
A judicial pre-trial is booked for Monday. Her case returns to court November 18, 2022 for instructions.
A publication ban prevents further information from being made public. The purpose of the ban is to preserve the rights of the defendant to a fair trial, and the presumption of innocence.
Vanden Enden retired six months ago and is facing several charges, including dangerous operation of a motor vehicle, criminal negligence causing bodily harm, possession of stolen property, breaching her previous release conditions, and fraud.
Vanden Enden has been battling a drug addiction for years and serious health issues over the past year. She was in the hospital recently and was ordered to get drug rehabilitation last year following several months at the Windsor jail.
