Although the civil lawsuit is behind Eddie Maurice, Ryan Randy Watson has indicated he may seek a different avenue.
In Watson’s affidavit earlier this month concerning his $100,000 lawsuit against Maurice he stated he would like to have an expert study the Crown dropping all the charges against Maurice.
“I have instructed my lawyers to acquire an expert report and present new evidence to the Crown so that they may reconsider their decision,” Watson wrote in the affidavit dated Jan. 10.
He added failing that he has instructed his lawyers “to consider bringing private prosecution against Mr. Maurice.”
Private prosecution is legal action brought to criminal court by an individual (rather than a government official) to enforce a law.
In a press conference after Watson’s lawsuit against Maurice was dropped, Maurice’s lawyer Scott Chimuk said the idea of re-opening the case is not realistic, but somewhat opportunistic.
“Section 505 of the Criminal Code says that if you are going to bring this private prosecution you have to do so in a timely matter,” Chimuk said. “He waited almost two years, doing absolutely nothing.
"Then only after Bill 27 (the Trespassing act) comes into force and affect — now all of a sudden we hear that he wants to bring a private prosecution?
“I think it’s very, very obvious what the motivation with respect to private prosecution was, and it was to support this lawsuit.”
He said if an attempt by Watson was made, the Maurices would fight back immediately.
“Our view is you have to respect prosecutorial discretion, you have to respect the fact they did a full investigation in respect to my client and they decided to drop the charges.”
Chimuk said in an interview he believes it’s doubtful Watson would proceed with private prosecution.
“Now that the lawsuit is dead, I think it is unlikely,” he said.
On Feb. 24, 2018, Ryan Randy Watson and a co-accused drove onto the Maurice property south of Okotoks at around 5:40 a.m. and rummaged through the Maurices’ vehicles. Maurice, who was home with his one-year-old daughter, gave a verbal warning and then fired a warning shot into the ground, which ricocheted and struck Watson in the wrist.
Maurice was charged with gun offences and his court appearances received national attention with hundreds of people supporting his right to defend his home.
All charges against Maurice were dropped.
Watson later pleaded guilty to mischief and failure to comply with a court order at Okotoks provincial court on Feb. 28, 2019. He was sentenced to 45 days in custody, but was released after receiving credit for time served.
