A Port Alberni Crown prosecutor has been named the second most powerful prosecutor on Vancouver Island.
Crown Counsel David Kidd, 51, is the new deputy regional Crown counsel. — one of only two such positions on Vancouver Island.
Kidd will report directly to the regional Crown counsel in Victoria.
He is leaving Port Alberni on Aug. 26 and starts his new position in Nanaimo in September.
“This is a significant promotion for Dave,” Alberni crown counsel Gordon Baines said. “It’s a much sought after position and it’s a real coup for him to get it.”
Kidd replaces veteran deputy regional crown counsel Glen Kelt who is retiring.
A competition within the criminal justice branch will be held to fill the Alberni vacancy.
Kidd has been a Crown counsellor in Port Alberni since 1991, and came from Dawson Creek where he practiced law privately.
He’s also been the administrative crown counsel in Alberni since 2008.
Kidd quarterbacked several high profile cases during his tenure in Alberni.
There was the Johnson case, in which the defendant pled guilty to second-degree murder in 2008.
Kidd was involved with the Dhillon case early in his tenure. The case was ground breaking because it was one of the first in Canada that dealt with DNA technology.
And Kidd was at the helm in the case of Rod Patten, who was convicted of killing Jessica States.
“He’s been a real leader in the courtroom,” Baines said.
Kidd and Baines knew the job was up for competition before Baines went away for holidays in June.
“I asked Dave if he was going to throw his hat in the ring and he said no,” Baines said.
“When I got back he said he got it and my face almost fell off.”
Kidd’s experience, leadership and comprehensive knowledge of criminal law garnered the position, provincial Crown counsel spokesperson Neil McKenzie said.
“Dave is a well respected prosecutor,” McKenzie said.
“The branch is quite fortunate to have him accept this position.”
reporter@albernivalleynews.com