Bench warrant may be issued for accused in North Okanagan helicopter crash case
The accused in a North Okanagan helicopter crash in the summer of 2023 has skipped his court date and could face an arrest warrant.
Vincent Porteous was charged in connection with the incident on August 12, 2023, which saw the helicopter he was allegedly piloting crash in the Shuswap River near Mable Lake Resort.
The occupants of the helicopter were reportedly injured in the crash.
After a 16-month investigation, Porteous was arrested and charged with:
- Criminal negligence causing bodily harm
- Operating a conveyance in a manner dangerous to the public and causing bodily harm
- Failing to assist or offer assistance to an injured person
- Operating a helicopter without a license or permit
- Operating a helicopter without a valid certificate or registration
Porteous was due in Kelowna court to consult counsel on March 4, 2025, but the B.C. Prosecution Service said the accused did not appear in court, though his counsel did.
The Prosecution Service stated Porteous’s absence was noted, and an application for a bench warrant was adjourned until March 18.
Porteous’ counsel has until that date to file a signed Counsel Designation Notice in order to represent the accused without him physically being in court, which would stop that warrant from being issued.
The Prosecution Service stated counsel indicated they were in communication with Porteous, but they didn’t have the counsel designation paperwork completed by March 4.