People wrongfully convicted on testimony of Dr. Charles Smith to be compensated

National News

at 14:00 on August 10, 2010, EDT.

People wrongfully convicted on testimony of Dr. Charles Smith to be compensated

The Canadian Press

TORONTO - People whose lives were "significantly impacted" because of flawed forensic pathology by Dr. Charles Smith will be compensated by the Ontario government.

The province is offering what it calls "recognition payments" for those who were wrongfully convicted based, in part, on Smith's evidence.

A total of 19 cases will be reviewed over the next 90 days to determine eligibility and the amount each individual will receive, with a top payment of $250,000.

A child of an accused who was removed from the home may be eligible for up to $25,000.

A family member directly affected by their relative's involvement with the criminal justice system may get up to $12,500, while others may be reimbursed for legal costs up to that amount.

A judicial inquiry into Smith's work found the pathologist's testimony was responsible, in part, for several people being wrongfully convicted of killing children and being sentenced to prison.

William Mullins-Johnson, who spent 12 years in prison after being wrongfully convicted of the rape and murder of his four-year-old niece, launched a $13-million lawsuit against six doctors, including Smith.

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