Durham police have requested that the Law Enforcement Complaints Agency (LECA) review allegations of an Oshawa courthouse assault made by defence lawyer Sudine Riley. The incident reportedly occurred on January 23, 2026, at the Superior Court of Justice in Oshawa.
According to Riley, officers slammed her head on a desk, placed their knees on her back and neck, and handcuffed her before taking her to the courthouse cells. She was subsequently charged with trespassing, which she is contesting.
In response, Durham police reassigned the officers involved to duties that do not include courthouse security and emphasized that they are entitled to due process during the investigation. The force also confirmed that it notified both LECA and the Special Investigations Unit (SIU), although the SIU did not invoke its mandate.
The independent probe by LECA will determine whether professional misconduct occurred. Durham police continue to conduct their own internal investigation and stated they are taking Riley’s allegations “extremely seriously”.
The move follows calls from legal organizations and advocacy groups for an independent review, underscoring the importance of lawyer safety and accountability in Ontario courthouses.
Durham police reaffirmed their commitment to providing courthouse security while working collaboratively with legal partners to ensure safety, trust, and well-being in the Durham Region courthouse.
