As the trial of her husband's accused killer continues, the widow of slain Ottawa police constable Eric Czapnik said her family is leaning on each other to get through this difficult time.
"Obviously it's very hard for us," said Anna Korutowska. "We're hoping that the hardest days are sort of behind us."
Korutowska's words come after days of graphic testimony in the murder trial of Kevin Gregson, the former RCMP officer accused of killing her husband.
"Truthfully I don't pay attention to him at all," said Korutowska about Gregson. "He's not worth my thoughts."
"I do pay attention to the evidence that is presented. I want to know exactly what happened."
On Friday, much of that evidence came from the RCMP's head of human resources who shed some light on former Mountie and accused killer Kevin Gregson's troubled career Friday.
Gregson, standing trial for the murder of Ottawa police officer Eric Czapnik, is described as a former Mountie who once received commendable recognition for his work.
The court heard that in 2000, Gregson was recognized for performing "courageous actions" by preventing a man from shooting himself with a rifle in Saskatchewan.
By that time, Gregson had been a Mountie for two years. He successfully completed RCMP training and was sworn in August 4, 1998.
The chief superintendent in charge of RCMP human resources, Gary Jay, told the court Gregson did well in training and met all the required standards.
Gregson's first posting was in Kamsack Municipal Detachment in the eastern portion of Saskatchewan.
Two years later, Gregson was moved to another detachment called Cumberland House near the Manitoba-Saskatchewan border.
Shortly thereafter, there came an allegation Gregson had used excessive force in a detachment jail. It was investigated and went to trial. Gregson was acquitted in 2002.
As a result of the acquittal the internal disciplinary action was stopped. Jay said it was a "turning point" for Gregson. His attitude towards his superiors and fellow officers changed, and he felt he "wasn't supported" by the RCMP said Jay.
Gregson was then moved to Humble Detachment for a fresh start. But Jay said the move didn't help much. Gregson didn't seem to associate with people in his office and was less supportive of supervisors. Jay cited a "level of distrust" from Gregson towards his peers.
Soon, Gregson asked for another move. His file states the request was made for personal reasons.
In years to come the situation worsened. Throughout 2003 and 2004, Gregson's behaviour in the RCMP was characterized as "controversial."
The court was told he had difficulty controlling his anger and being professional. In 2005, Gregson was put on administrative duties after he was told to go on an employer mandated health assessment.
Gregson then went on medical leave one day after being placed on administrative duty. Gregson returned in September 2005. He was assigned to administrative duties and was not permitted to do frontline police work.
The following year Gregson faced unknown criminal charges and was suspended from the RCMP.
It was determined Gregson was not meeting the standard of conduct expected from a Mountie; and an RCMP tribunal decided he was to resign or be discharged.
Gregson appealed the decision but found himself in hot water again after showing up at a commanding officer's home. He was ordered not to appear unannounced at the home of RCMP officers. Gregson disobeyed that order when he showed up at the home of the RCMP Commissioner in Ottawa.
On November 19, 2009, the tribunal reached the decision again, following the appeal, Gregson was to resign or be discharged.
He was officially discharged on December 2, 2009.
Czapnik was killed while on duty outside the Ottawa Hospital Civic Campus on December 29, 2009.
The court also learned that Gregson lied to the RCMP in 2005 when he said he was taking annual leave to go to Ontario. Jay said he went to South Africa and received weapons training. Gregson wanted the training on his file, though it was not recognized by the RCMP.
Furthermore, Gregson was on administrative duties and not allowed to carry a gun at the time he took it upon himself to receive this training.
Jay said it is not unusual for officers to seek out training independently. However, Gregson did ask for leave to visit family in Ontario but really used it to travel to South Africa and gain skills using firearms.
Former Mormon Bishop Robert Howe also testified that Gregson once threatened him with a knife saying, "You don't know how many ways I've been taught to kill a man."
The following are details from Kevin Gregson's employment with the RCMP:
January 21, 1988 begins cadet training at RCMP depot
August 4, 1998 begins working as an RCMP constable
April 18, 2000 receives commanding officer's commendation
August 21, 2000 transferred to Cumberland House Detachment
January 27, 2001 accused of excessive force in relation to a prisoner
December 11, 2002 acquitted if criminal charges related to allegations of excessive use
August 15, 2003 transferred to the Humboldt Detachment
April 5, 2004 request for transfer to attend Air Marshall Program
January 12, 2005 placed on administrative duty pending health assessments
May 14, 2006 incident with Robert Howe
September 27, 2006 placed on paid suspension
July 16, 2008 advised by adjudication board to resign or be dismissed (decision appealed)
July 6, 2009 advised that pay and allowances be stopped
November 19, 2009 advised by adjudication board to resign or be dismissed (decision not appealed)
November 20, 2009 advised that pay and allowances have stopped and $27, 350.93 owed to RCMP
December 2, 2009 discharged from the RCMP
With a report from CTV Ottawa's Catherine Lathem
