Disciplinary hearing for cop accused of harassing Hamilton councillor set for October

A disciplinary hearing for a suspended Hamilton police officer accused of harassing a city councillor has been set for October.

Const. Paul Manning didn't participate in Friday's conference call but will be expected to take part in the hearing scheduled for Oct. 4 and 5.

If he's not there, we'll be proceeding in his absence, unless he provides me some reasonable explanation for why he can't participate," hearing officer Greg Walton said.

Manning, who has been suspended indefinitely and on medical leave due to PTSD, is accused of misconduct under the Police Services Act (PSA).

Coun. Sam Merulla filed a complaint with the Office of the Independent Police Review Director in June 2019, alleging Manning had smeared his name via social media posts, including suggestions of links to the local Musitano crime family.

In a letter to Merulla last year, Hamilton police concluded the online activity warranted a disciplinary hearing under the PSA.

Manning faces eight counts of discreditable conduct relating to Twitter posts between April 15, 2019, and Sept. 9, 2019.

The former undercover officer has been a vocal critic of police and city council alike on social media.

He has denied the allegations that he harassed Merulla.

The October hearing with either take place at Hamilton police's King William Street headquarters or in a hotel conference room.

Teviah Moro is a Hamilton-based reporter at The Spectator. Reach him via email: tmoro@thespec.com