A Royal Canadian Navy official has imposed a $500 fine on Independent MP and Royal Canadian Navy reserve officer Kevin Vuong after he failed to tell his commanding officer of a criminal charge against him.
Instead of a court-martial, Vuong was elected to face a summary trial. The trial took place recently at HMCS Donnacona, a navy reserve unit in Montreal. The trial was presided over by Naval Reserve’s Deputy Commander, Capt. Etienne Landry.
Vuong was encountering a service charge under the National Defence Act for “conduct to the prejudice of good order and discipline.”
While talking to CBC News, Naval Reserve’s spokesperson, Lt. Robert Moore said Vuong admitted to every charge during the trial. He added that Capt. Landry concluded a $500 fine was the most appropriate penalty.
Vuong was charged with a single count of sexual assault in April 2019 by Toronto Police. Military law requires Canadian Armed Forces members to inform their commanding officers about such charges but Vuong failed to do so.
The charge was withdrawn by the Crown six months after it was filed.
During the trial, Landry said while he could have slammed a more severe punishment on Vuong, he considered Vuong’s young age, the way he expressed his regret, his desire for rehabilitation, the fact that he has never offended before and his promotion of the navy in both military and civilian life.
During the trisal, Vuong said he regretted not following military procedure and wanted to remain in the Canadian Armed Forces
While talking to reporters after the ruling, Vuong said he would comment in more detail at a later time.
He said: “I’m here in uniform out of respect to the (Canadian Armed Forces).
“I don’t believe that this is the right venue and that now is the right time, but I want to encourage all of you to please reach out to my office to find a time and … let’s clear the air.”
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