Steven Curnew is no longer employed with the Royal Newfoundland Constabulary.
He left the RNC as of Tuesday, but for reasons of privacy, the RNC said it is unable to comment on the circumstances surrounding Curnew’s departure.
In another statement however, the RNC said police Chief Joe Boland confirms that Curnew’s current employment status with the RNC is completely unrelated to the breach of emergency protection order matter. Recent reports suggesting otherwise are misleading, the RNC said in a statement.
"Due to privacy concerns, this is all of the information that the RNC can release in relation to this matter," RNC spokesman Const. James Cadigan said.
Last week, Curnew plead guilty to violating the Family Violence Act.
In reaction to that plea on Jan. 25, RNC Chief Joe Boland told The Telegram Curnew was non-operational and on leave from the RNC and was to be subject to internal discipline, even though he was off duty at the time he violated the court order.
Curnew, 43, pleaded guilty to violating an emergency protection order that banned him from being near his ex-spouse, her home and her property. The court heard Curnew — a former media relations officer as well as a now former member of the RNC’s criminal investigation division —breached that order last July, four days after it was implemented.
Curnew had gone to the woman’s house to bring back their teenage child when he took the dog, who was outside, for a walk.
Crown prosecutor Nicole Hurley said Curnew’s child had told the mother Curnew was going to take the dog for a walk and after a period of time the woman told her child it was OK.
He was arrested later that day and taken to the St. John’s city lockup before being released with conditions the next day.
The emergency protection order was withdrawn by the court in August with the woman’s consent. Curnew will be sentenced Feb. 25.
The non-criminal offence includes a maximum of a $2,000 fine or six months in prison. The Crown prosecutor Nicole Hurley has asked for a $1,000 fine, while Curnew’s lawyer, Randy Piercey, suggested an absolute discharge.
