The much-anticipated resumption of a trial pitting a Caledonia family against the provincial police and government won't occur, after an out-of-court settlement was reached.
David Brown, his wife, Dana Chatwell and their son had sued the police and province for $7 million, saying the two entities had failed to protect them when natives blockaded the area around, and including, their Argyle Street house in Caledonia.
Testimony at the trial had already revealed video of swearing, threatening native protesters venting toward the family, confessions of infidelity, drinking and drug use, terrible health issues brought on by the stress of the protests and the news that, at one point, the police had planted a camera in the couple's kitchen.
The couple is reportedly delighted to have the ordeal over and has signed papers selling their home to the province, which already purchased the nearby Douglas Creek Estates, although it continues to be in native hands.
The province has also expressed pleasure that the matter is resolved but declined to go into any details of the settlement.
Brown and Chatwell have purchased another home in Caledonia.
During the trial, the couple argued that the police failed to respond to their pleas for help on numerous occasions.
In response, the Crown's lawyer said the hands of the police were effectively tied because of the unique situation caused by the native occupation.
According to published reports, the trial, which was expected to continue for another month, was going to hear from OPP officers next and some of them were expected to testify about their own frustration with the situation.
Brown, 42, Chatwell, 46, and their son Dax, 18, have told how they felt abandoned by the police and their government.
They kept a diary of events around their home, including when lights were shone in their windows at night, how their house was ransacked, a snake put in their mailbox, nails scattered in their driveway and frequent threats from masked protesters to burn their house down.
Testimony revealed the family had suffered serious psychological, physical and emotional damage.