London constable charged with assault causing bodily harm at Victoria Hospital

Ontario's SIU has charged London police Const. Stephen Farrand with assault causing bodily harm following a March 2026 incident at Victoria Hospital. It is the second criminal charge against a London officer in two years.

London police constable faces SIU assault charge after Victoria Hospital incident

Ontario's police watchdog has charged a London police constable with assault causing bodily harm, ca.news.yahoo.com reports, following an incident at Victoria Hospital that left a man with serious injuries.

The Special Investigations Unit announced the charge against Const. Stephen Farrand on Wednesday. The alleged incident dates to March 18, 2026.

According to the SIU, the man had been transported to the hospital after being arrested and apprehended under the Mental Health Act. "At the hospital, there was an interaction with an officer that resulted in the man suffering serious injuries," the agency said, providing no further detail.

Farrand is required to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in London on Sept. 22. "As the matter is before the courts, and in consideration of the fair trial interests of the accused, the SIU will not provide further comment on the investigation," the agency stated.

A request for comment from London police was not returned before publication.

The charge marks the second time a London police officer — active or retired — has faced criminal charges brought by the SIU within two years. In February 2025, the agency charged former officer Edward Lane with two counts of sexual assault stemming from allegations dating to the 1980s and early 1990s. That case remains before the courts.

Source: Google News CA — Crime (EN)