Update (Feb. 15): CTV News senior anchor Dan MacLellan’s common assault case was pushed to March 7.
Neither MacLellan or his lawyer, Gordon Cudmore, were in court in today (Feb. 15), but Jim Dean, another lawyer from the firm, appeared on their behalf and requested a new date for next month.
Both the Crown and defence lawyers are expected to meet to work on a resolution to the charges that were laid against McLellan on Christmas Eve.
While in court today, Dean told the judge that Cudmore expects the case to be resolved by March 7.
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Update (Jan. 18): CTV News anchor court date pushed to Feb. 15
CTV News senior anchor Dan MacLellan will appear in court Feb. 15 to resolve assault allegations stemming from a Christmas Eve incident.
MacLellan wasn’t in court Wednesday (Jan. 18), but a lawyer appeared on his behalf seeking to push his next court date to next month. Until then, both Crown and defence lawyers will meet to discuss the facts surrounding the case and work on coming up with a resolution for this case.
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CTV News anchor returns to court Jan. 18 on assault charge
Tuesday, January, 03, 2012
CTV News senior anchor Dan MacLellan will be back in court Jan. 18 to answer to assault allegations stemming from a Christmas Eve incident.
MacLellan was arrested Dec. 24 by police and detained at Elgin-Middlesex Detention Centre until his first court appearance last Wednesday (Dec. 28), where he was granted bail.
The 10-year anchor of CTV News faces four charges of common assault after police investigated accusations from a woman. The identity of the alleged victim is not being released due to a court order.
MacLellan hasn’t anchored his usual 6 p.m. broadcast since his arrest and it’s unclear if or when he will come back to his post.
“CTV News senior anchor, Dan MacLellan, appeared in court this afternoon on charges of assault stemming from an alleged incident on Dec. 24,” said a press release issued by CTV London on Dec. 28. “As a result and in accordance with company policy, Dan will take a leave of absence from his duties at CTV.”
MacLellan’s lawyer, Gordon Cudmore, didn’t comment about the incident itself, but said it’s unfortunate the news anchor isn’t working right now because of an accusation.
“He’s on leave, which is their policy. I think that’s unfortunate that simply being charged can cost you that,” Cudmore said. “Some people, as they should, adopt the presumption of innocence and others don’t. I think the community should wait and see.”
MacLellan joined the CTV London team in 2002 as a co-anchor for the 6 p.m. news with Kathy Mueller. He’s been anchoring the news solo since 2008.
