Fredericton officer accused of domestic assault granted bail

A decorated Fredericton police officer,accused of domestic assault, has been released from jail.

Const.Jeffrey Smiley, who was arrested on Feb.26, appeared in provincial court on Monday for a bail hearing.

Smiley is charged with assault and failure to turn over firearms to authorities.

There is a publication ban on evidence presented during the hearing and the judge's reasons, but as part of the conditions of his release, Smileycannot have contact with his girlfriend or be in possession of any firearms.

He is scheduled to return to court on March 18to enter pleas.

The Fredericton Police Force responded to a call regarding a domestic dispute on Feb. 26, according to a news release issued last Friday.

An off-duty member of the force was arrested and the investigation was turned over to the RCMP, the statement said.

Smiley received the Star of Courage from the Governor General in December forpulling a 73-year-old woman from her car after it plungedinto the St. John River on Jan. 8, 2012.

Smiley jumped into the frigidwater to break the window and rescue Shirley Foster.

He also received a Commanding Officer Commendation in April 2012 for the rescue.