Pubdate: Tue, 12 Oct 2004
Source: Abbotsford News (CN BC)
Copyright: 2004 Hacker Press Ltd.
Contact:  http://www.abbynews.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1155
Author: Gertie Pool
Referenced: http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v04/n1314/a03.html?161029
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/find?216 (CN Police)

WITHOUT COURT SUPPORT, POLICE WORK ON WAR ON DRUGS IS DESTROYED: PLAN
UPLIFTING

Editor, The News:

Re: City's war on weed.

I am thrilled to read how Abbotsford police and City council plan to
smoke out pot cultivators. But without the cooperations of the
judicial system much of the police efforts will be destroyed in the
courts.

The Canadian Criminal Code is saturated with good, harsh and fair laws
to protect our safety. But lenient judges let down all Canadians by
not sentencing maximum sentences as stipulated in the Criminal Code of
Canada.

There's plenty of laws in the criminal Code of Canada to sufficiently
protect each one of us against pot growers and these low down criminal
activities.

Drug growers across the border do receive a mandatory minimum sentence
of five years up to 40 years plus a fine up to $2 million if more than
100 marijuana plants are seized. Mandatory Minimum sentence 10 years
up to Life plus a fine of up to $4 million if more then 1,000
marijuana plants are seized.

Canadian drug trafficking laws state for more then 6.6 pounds
indictable offence a maximum life sentence. With less then 6.6 pounds,
an indictable offence of five years.

Production of a substance (c) where the subject matter of the offence
is cannabis (marijuana) is guilty of an indictable offence and liable
to imprisonment for a term not exceeding seven years.

Marijuana possession of 30 grams or less or hashish 1 gram or less
summary conviction calls for a maximum $1,000/6 month or both.
Marijuana possession of 30 grams or hashish one gram - dual offence
maximum five years. First offence maximum $1,000 or 6 months.
Subsequent Maximum $2,000 or one year.

But most judges seldom even go that far. Why such leniencies for
people who make millions of dollars growing and selling the stuff? I
find it sad to say, but many of our court judges, Crown councils and
clever defence lawyers let down law abiding citizens and crime victims
by coddling offenders.

There's little respect for the law. And why should there
be?

In our recently-conducted 10-month Court Watch Program I've watched
many an offender openly mock the system outside the courthouse.

A while ago Abbotsford citizens watched a seasoned pedophile, who'd
already served 20 years for 12 sex related charges, let out on bail to
live five doors down from his latest two new child victims, and
subsequently sentenced to a mere house arrest.

This man could have been imprisoned for 10 years maximum for what he
did, instead he got off practically scott free.

Can anyone respect such judicial softness and criminal coddlings?
Justice? For whom? Not his victims.

I find it totally laughable how often warning signs flash across the
TV screen. telling citizens not to walk the parks alone or at night.

Abbotsford police recently issued warnings for residents to watch
while sleeping because there's been numerous home invasions when
residents snore away the night time hours.

Problem is when these culprits are brought to court there's precious
little consequence to pay for their actions. And they are very well
aware of that and thrive on the coddling aspect of it all.

I feel sad to watch so many judges ignore to better protect the
general public.They are given the tools and capabilities to throw the
book at unwanted, life destroying and painful criminal activities.
Instead they choose to ignore this fact.

I cannot help but wonder how judges, lawyers and Crown councils would
feel if they had a seasoned pedophile move next door to their
families, or if they were at the receiving end of criminal activities
induced by drug related offences? Would their rulings be slightly different?

Oh, how I wish the right sources would do what is proper and
respectful towards safeguarding the ever growing frustrated public.

Gertie Pool,

Abbotsford
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MAP posted-by: Derek