Nova Scotia premier's former spokesman back after assault conviction

Nova Scotia Premier Stephen McNeil's former communications director, who was fired for not informing the premier immediately about an assault charge, is back working for the Liberals.

Kyley Harris is doing research in the caucus office.

Harris is on probation for assaulting a woman he was living with in May of last year. He pleaded guilty to the assault charge this past December and was sentenced in March.

A judge gave him a conditional discharge with nine months probation.

Premier Stephen McNeil said the job was offered to Harris recently.

"We needed a researcher at the office and they reached out to Kyley and offered him the position."

McNeil says his former advisor was chosen because of his prior experience.

"We know his skill set. We know that he's worked both in the premier's office and the caucus office. We knew his capabilities and we had the vacancy so they offered it to him and it's a contract that runs out at the end of December."