2 correctional officers charged in bar fight
Last Updated: Monday, January 19, 2009 | 3:31 PM AT
CBC News
Two provincial corrections officers have been charged with assault causing bodily harm in connection with a fight at a downtown Charlottetown bar.
Michael Andrew Irwin, 29, of Stratford and Nathan Kevin Praught, 22, of Summerside were charged Monday following the incident at St. James Gate on Dec. 13. Both men work at the P.E.I. correctional centre at Sleepy Hollow outside Charlottetown.
"As a result of interviewing the victim, witnesses, bar staff and also reviewing the enhanced video, after consultation with the Crown it was determined that two individuals allegedly committed this assault on the victim," said Charlottetown police Deputy Chief Richard Collins.
"Because of his injuries, it was decided to go with a charge of assault causing bodily harm."
The week after the attack, prominent Souris businessman Alan MacPhee told CBC News that he was the victim of an unprovoked attack while on the dance floor, and that he may have suffered permanent eye damage.
Irwin and Praught are scheduled to appear in court on Feb. 19. They were placed on leave without pay Monday until the case works its way through the court system.
Corrections and Clarifications
- Michael Andrew Irwin and Nathan Kevin Praught work for P.E.I. Community and Correctional Services, not Corrections Canada, as orginally reported. Jan. 19, 2009|3:14 p.m. ET
- The man charged with assault is Nathan Kevin Praught, 22, of Summerside. Police originally provided an incorrect full name. Jan. 19, 2009|5:09 p.m. ET
