THUNDER BAY — An application to have former Thunder Bay Police Service lawyer Holly Walbourne’s criminal case separated from former police chief Sylvie Hauth's has been denied.
Hauth and Walbourne were charged in April 2024 following an OPP investigation that began in 2021.
Hauth is facing one count of obstructing a public or peace officer, one count of breach of trust, and two counts of obstruction of justice.
Walbourne was charged with obstructing a public or peace officer, breach of trust, and three counts of obstruction of justice.
Walbourne had filed to have her case severed from Hauth’s after a four-week trial was scheduled for next spring, with a start date of April 7, 2026 for both accused.
Pre-trial motions are also set to be heard on Feb. 26, 2026.
Earlier this year, Walbourne and Hauth’s lawyers said they were ready to proceed as early as this summer. However, an out of town judge is required to hear the case and their schedule was not yet known at the time.
Walbourne’s lawyer argued last week for a speedier trial and for their client to be tried without reasonable delay
On Wednesday, Justice Robert Goldstein said that while he accepts Ms. Walbourne has suffered real prejudice in this matter, it would not be in the interest of justice to grant the severance application.
The judge said his reasons for the decision would follow at a later date.
The case has proceeded through direct indictment, meaning there will be no preliminary inquiry and both Walbourne and Hauth have elected to be tried by a judge alone.
None of the allegations against either accused have been proven in court.
