Disgraced RCMP Const. Geoff Mantler has had his RCMP paycheque stripped.

Photo: Wayne Moore - Castanet Kelowna RCMP Superintendent, Bill McKinnon.

Mantler, who faces both criminal charges and an internal RCMP Code of Conduct investigation, was suspended without pay effective last Friday, May 27.

However, his legal counsel will continue to be funded publically pending a review by the Commanding Officer of E Division.

Kelowna RCMP Superintendent, Bill McKinnon made the announcement Monday morning.

Mantler was originally suspended with pay, January 10, after he was caught on tape kicking Buddy Tavares in the face during an arrest.

"Stoppage of pay and allowances was approved for Const. Mantler on the rationale that the allegations of misconduct against him are so serious that they require a greater response than the suspension alone," says McKinnon.

"I realize that this decision has been a long awaited one for Mr. Tavares and the general public and I appreciate your patience. This incident and these past few months have been difficult and I recognize the impact it has had on this community. Despite this, I want to ensure that members and employees of the Kelowna Detachment remain very much dedicated to their jobs and performing to the standards that the citizens of Kelowna, the management of the RCMP and I expect."

He says the suspension of pay is not a form of punishment but, rather, a temporary measure to protect the integrity of the RCMP while awaiting the outcome of both criminal and internal investigations.

The decision to suspend Mantler with pay was made at headquarters in Ottawa following a recommendation by the RCMP Commanding Officer in B.C.

The RCMP have been taking heat from the general public for not coming to this decision earlier.

While not commenting directly, McKinnon, as a member of the community, says, "I'm glad an announcement was finally made."

McKinnon says Mantler does have the right to appeal the ruling and, if successful, he would receive his pay retroactive to the day it was withheld.

Mantler, charged with two counts of assault causing bodily harm, is scheduled to appear in court again June 21.

His previous three court appearances have been postponed while his lawyer seeks more time to pour over more than 2,000 pages of evidence.