Dec 17, 2020 7:12 AM The province’s Director of Public Prosecutions is publicly setting the record straight following allegations of political interference in the laying of charges against an RNC officer. Lloyd Strickland calls the accusation “an afront to the integrity of public prosecutions and the Crown attorneys that serve the public.” RNC Constable Joe Smyth has made a formal complaint to the RCMP alleging former Justice Minister Andrew Parsons played a role in Smyth being charged with obstruction of justice involving a traffic offence. Strickland flatly denies any political interference in the Smyth prosecution or any others. He says the suggestion that Crown lawyers would accept any direction or pressure from anyone in government is troubling.