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Three trial dates set for former Gibsons councillor

Three trial dates have been set for former Gibsons councillor Silas White.The trial dates have been set for next year. They are on July 24, 25, 26th of 2019.

White will be represented by David Milburn, who specializes in criminal law and has been a part of some high profile cases in BC.

“So today’s court date was the first appearance,” said Milburn.

“Mr. White through myself as counsel appeared in court and he has elected to go with a trial that’ll be overseen by a provincial court judge. I appeared in court and set a date for trial. There are issues the court needs to resolve and that will happen at the trial date.”

Crown counsel noted during the arraignment that they intend to have three civilian witnesses, a police witness and a toxicology report brought to trial.

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The two charges against White that have not been proven in court include impaired driving causing bodily harm and cause an accident resulting in bodily harm.

According to police White was driving on Gower Point Road in Gibsons on the evening of September 16th when his vehicle went off the road.

White has pleaded not guilty to both charges.

White was the only candidate running for Mayor in Gibsons at first. And that was still the case by the September 14th nomination deadline.

But he then withdrew from the race a few days later and noted it was due to personal and health reasons.

After the charges against White were made public he released this statement:

“The last four months have been an unimaginably dark time in my life.

As I’ve shared previously, I sustained a serious brain injury on July 1st in a bike accident. The impact of that injury was significant, preventing me from sleeping, and causing me extreme stress and cognitive difficulties. In September, I withdrew my name from the Town of Gibsons election.

Additionally, while still dealing with the impacts of the concussion, I had been involved in a serious car accident, something I could not talk about at the time for a number of reasons, including protecting the privacy of others involved. I am extremely grateful for the Gibsons and District Volunteer Fire Department and other first responders who attended the scene.

I had not been charged with anything at that time, but the accident clearly illustrated to me and my loved ones that my judgement that evening was severely compromised by my brain injury. I felt I owed it to myself, my family and my community to concentrate on my ongoing recovery and medical treatment, and eventually face the consequences of the accident, as a private citizen rather than pressing on as a public official. This is also why shortly thereafter, I withdrew my name from the mayoral election.

I received a court summons for impaired driving causing bodily harm and causing an accident resulting in bodily harm. I have engaged legal counsel and hope to have these charges resolved as quickly as possible.

I recognize there is media interest in this matter, and I feel that I made the right decision to step away from public life. I ask for privacy for my family, and will not be participating in interviews as this matter is now going before the court.”

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