Former Toronto area cop begins 7.5 year jail sentence after Ontario's top court dismisses appeal
![YRP Markham HQ York Regional Police's 5 District Office in Markham, Ont. can be seen above. (YRP)](/content/dam/ctvnews/en/images/2024/2/22/yrp-markham-hq-1-6779747-1708639132576.png)
A former Toronto area police officer has begun serving a more than seven-year jail sentence after Ontario's top court dismissed an appeal of his 2021 conviction on corruption charges earlier this week.
In a release issued Thursday, York Regional Police (YRP) said the Ontario Court of Appeal decision was handed down to former Const. Richard Senior, who served 16 years with the service, on Feb. 21.
- Download our app to get local alerts on your device
- Get the latest local updates right to your inbox
Senior, who most recently worked with the District Community Response Unit in Markham, was arrested on Oct. 9, 2018, following a 10-month investigation by the service's Major Projects Unit.
That investigation led officers to believe Senior had been involved in "a number of criminal enterprises, including the attempted armed robbery of a quantity of cocaine; the theft and illegal possession of a York Regional Police shotgun; the trafficking of steroids to another officer; trafficking cocaine; and the disclosing of confidential police information," the release states.
During his trial in February 2021, the Crown alleged that the officer had filed an intelligence report about his former mistress and attributed the information to a fake confidential source. Other allegations presented by the prosecution included selling steroids to another undercover officer, stealing money he was given to pay informants and inappropriately accessing a police database to disclose confidential information.
Senior’s lawyer argued that his client’s actions were due to lack of experience and training. He also said that none of the incidents would have occurred without the “instigation” of police.
Ultimately, Senior was convicted of eight charges, including trafficking cocaine, trafficking testosterone, and possession of a weapon obtained by crime, possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose, unauthorized use of a computer, and breach of trust and, later that year, sentenced to seven-and-a-half-years in jail.
“This unacceptable criminal behaviour is not tolerated by our organization and my thanks go to the members who investigated this case and the prosecutors who secured the convictions,” Chief Jim MacSween said in the Thursday release. “This is not a reflection of the hard-working, dedicated and professional members working each day to keep our community safe. We remain committed to being transparent and accountable to our community.”
Senior has been suspended without pay since 2020, when he was handed a custodial sentence. Under the Police Services Act, an officer cannot be suspended without pay unless they have been convicted of an offence and sentenced to a term of imprisonment.
Following the dismissal, Senior submitted his resignation from the service, the release states.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
![](https://www.ctvnews.ca/polopoly_fs/1.6978503.1721990327!/httpImage/image.jpg_gen/derivatives/landscape_800/image.jpg)
Arson attacks paralyze French high-speed rail network hours before start of Olympics
Outgoing French Prime Minister Gabriel Attal said that sabotage and arson that hit key parts of France's high speed rail network on the eve of the Olympics had 'a clear objective: blocking the high speed train network.'
Canadian Olympic Committee CEO says soccer coach Bev Priestman likely aware of spying
Canadian Olympic Committee chief executive officer David Shoemaker says the head coach of the national women's soccer team was likely aware drones were used to spy on an opposing country's practices in France.
'She led it the whole way': 18-year-old B.C. woman leads hikers to safety in Jasper National Park
As fire threatened people in Jasper National Park, Colleen Knull sprung into action.
Latest updates on wildfires in Jasper National Park: Rain, cooler weather limiting spread
Cool and wet weather is making a difference in Jasper National Park.
Flyers, price-matching, local stores: How Canadians' grocery habits have changed
Whether they’re shopping at multiple stores, flipping through flyers or seeking out independent grocers, many Canadians say they have changed their grocery shopping habits in recent years as a response to high inflation and, for some, growing distrust of large chains.
Search for missing vulnerable 3-year-old child in Mississauga, Ont. continues
Police say the search for a vulnerable child who went missing in Mississauga, Ont. Thursday evening continues. Three-year-old Zaid, who is described as possibly non-verbal, was last seen at 6:20 p.m. in Mississauga’s Erindale Park, near Dundas Street West and Mississauga Road. He was not wearing shoes or socks at the time.
opinion 'Deadpool and Wolverine' review: A love letter to a bygone era
'Deadpool and Wolverine' is a showcase for the bromance stylings of its stars, who pull out all the stops to cap Fox's Marvel movies.
Stay inside, filter indoor air amid wildfire smoke, respirologist says
A Calgary respirologist is advising people to regularly check the outdoor air quality and stay inside as smoke from the Jasper wildfires blows into other parts of Alberta and possibly beyond.
Canada to bring home fewest Olympic medals since 2012, according to forecaster
Fewer Canadians are expected to reach the Paris podium than in the previous two Olympic Summer Games, a global data analytics company predicts.