Prosecutors withdrew all charges against Michael Bryant Tuesday morning. The former Ontario attorney general had been set to go on trial for criminal negligence and dangerous operation of a motor vehicle for his role in a collision that killed Toronto bike courier Darcy Allan Sheppard last August. But Crown prosecutors now say there was no reasonable prospect of conviction. After an altercation one evening on Bloor Street West, Sheppard—who was on his bicycle—leaned into Bryant’s car, gripping it near the steering wheel. As Bryant sped away in fear, Shepphard was thrown against a tree and mailbox, and later died as a result of his injuries. Sheppard’s blood alcohol concentration was more than twice the legal limit at the time of the accident and evidence suggests he had a history of violent outbursts on his bike. If Bryant had been convicted, he could have received a maximum sentence of life in jail.

http://www2.macleans.ca/2010/05/25/michael-bryant-is-home-free/#idc-container




I am re-posting the comment from a reader:


LIES! Sheppard was not \"on his bicycle\" and did not lean in to Bryant's car. He was deliberately struck from behind while in a stationary position and thrown of his bike by Bryant's car ramming into him. Bryant then tried to flee and Sheppard attempted to prevent him from fleeing by grabbing the side of Bryant's car. Repeat: Sheppard is in a defenceless and vulnerable position and is delibearetly struck from behind by Bryant. Bryant then attempts to flee, Sheppard attempts to prevent him, and the vehicle speeds away at such a dangerous velocity that Sheppard is soon dislogded and killed. WATCH THE VIDEO WATCH THE VIDEO WATCH THE VIDEO

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lTQ69STzhf0&feature=related

As per CBC, Sheppard drug and alcohol abuse and his psychotic behaviour were brought into question. Also, 6 witnesses also provided testimony about Sheppard's threatening behaviour.

So it is about having right connections as well as hiring smart lawyers. Michael Bryant himself is a Harvard graduate.

Sad that the truth will never see the light of the day. On other hand, it may be possible that Bryant might be innocent, but being a public figure might have handed down a vigilante justice by media.