Nunavut ex-MLA's assault charge withdrawn

Prosecutors in Nunavut say they have withdrawn an assault charge against former Pangnirtung MLA Adamee Komoartok.

Komoartok, 57, had been charged with assault causing bodily harm in connection with an alleged attack on his spouse on March 6.

"The investigation and the file were reviewed by members of the Crown prosecutor's office, and the conclusion was that there was not a reasonable prospect of conviction concerning the charges against him," Barry McLaren, the chief federal prosecutor in Nunavut, told CBC News on Friday afternoon.

Komoartok's wife, 53-year-old Penena Mosesee, was also charged with assaulting Komoartok the same day. Court documents indicate that prosecutors will proceed with the charge against her.

Komoartok resigned as the MLA for Pangnirtung on March 15, days after his fellow MLAs suspended him from the legislative assembly over the alleged incident.

A byelection to replace Komoartok will be held in Pangnirtung on Sept. 12.