A St. Thomas police officer has been demoted over a fight that turned physical with his estranged wife nearly a year and a half ago.
Constable Steve Cudney was found guilty of two counts of professional misconduct in November of last year in connection with an October 2019 altercation with his wife.
Tribunal Hearing Officer and Retired OPP Superintendent Greg Walton found that Cudney used "excessive and unnecessary physical force" during the dispute, breaching St. Thomas Police Service policy.
St. Thomas police lawyer Ian Johnstone sought to have Cudney fired over the misconduct. But Cudney's lawyer Phillip Millar stated dismissal of the 20 year veteran officer was not appropriate and argued for a forfeiture of seven days pay and an up to a one year demotion.
In Walton's decision, which was handed down earlier this week, Cudney was issued a 12 month demotion to the rank of fourth-class constable from first-class constable. Following a year at fourth-class, Cudney can be promoted to third-class constable for 12 months, then promoted to second-class constable for another 12 months before being reinstated to the rank of first-class constable. The promotions are dependent on satisfactory work performance.
The demotion takes effect immediately.
Police Chief Chris Herridge said in a statement issued Tuesday that even though this wasn't the outcome he had hoped for, he will continue to hold his officers accountable for their actions.
"We are sharing this information with the public, as we always do, in the interest of openness and transparency. We are committed to accountability and integrity as an organization," said Herridge. "Even though I had requested a dismissal in this case, I respect the hearing officer’s decision and penalty imposed. We have and will continue to hold our members responsible for their actions.”
He added that the actions of one officer are not a reflection of the "professional women and men who work so hard every day to uphold the law and keep the community safe."
