CAYUGA, Ont. – Ontario Provincial Police Commissioner Julian Fantino didn't appear in court on Friday as a charge against him of influencing or attempting to influence municipal officials was adjourned for three weeks.

In a court proceeding in a half-filled courtroom that took just 10 minutes, the Crown requested more time to review new evidence relating to the allegations brought by activist Gary McHale.

Fantino wasn't required to appear in court because he hasn't yet been served with a subpoena. He has vowed he'll fight McHale's allegations.

McHale alleges that Fantino sent an email in 2007 telling the mayor and councillors in nearby Caledonia not to attend McHale's rallies.

McHale alleges that First Nations protestors have been given special status by the OPP during their occupation of a residential construction project.

Under the Criminal Code of Canada, it is illegal to influence or attempt to influence municipal officials and convictions can carry a prison term of up to five years.

Premier Dalton McGuinty has rejected NDP pressure to ask Fantino to step down until the allegations are dealt with in the courts, saying it's "private information being put forward by a private citizen."

They are to return to court on Feb. 3.