"For the first time, sergeant apologizes to family for shooting Dudley George"

LONDON, Ont. (CP) - For the first time since he shot and killed an unarmed aboriginal protester, acting Sgt. Kenneth Deane apologized to the dead man's family.

Deane had come under fire for his apparent lack of remorse and for never apologizing to the family. On Wednesday he did both.

"I sincerely apologize to the family and friends of Dudley George, and to his community, for causing the terrible loss that they have been forced to endure," Deane read from his prepared statement.

The apology was made as Deane took the stand at a hearing that will determine whether he will be stripped of his provincial police badge for his crime.

But the brothers of Dudley George, who was killed six years ago at Ipperwash Provincial Park, said the apology seemed to be a defence tactic.

"Ken Deane has had six years to apologize to our family and he never said anything until now," said Pierre George outside the hearing room.

"Now at the end of his last hearing he's apologizing just to stop from getting fired by the police. He just wants to save (himself)."

Deane was convicted in 1997 of criminal negligence causing death for shooting George on Sept. 6, 1995. He was sentenced to two years less a day, to be served in the community.

In his ruling, trial Judge Hugh Fraser said Deane had knowingly shot an unarmed man and concocted a story to cover it up.

The Supreme Court upheld the ruling earlier this year, and now Deane faces a charge of discreditable conduct under the police services act. He pleaded guilty on Monday.

Throughout the three ­day hearing, none of several witnesses who were Deane's co-workers were unable to confirm he ever expressed remorse.

The hearing was adjourned Wednesday and will resume in London on Nov. 21, when both parties are to present their closing arguments.