Pubdate: Wed, 14 Sep 2005
Source: StarPhoenix, The (CN SN)
c-99bf-4b00-8124-e5300fb07a94
Copyright: 2005 The StarPhoenix
Contact:  http://www.canada.com/saskatoon/starphoenix/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/400
Author: Saskatchewan News Network

JUDGE NIXES REPRESENTATIVE FOR PAIR CHARGED IN DRUG BUST

REGINA (SNN) -- Two Pasqua First Nation men charged in connection with a
large marijuana grow operation found on the reserve in August were told
Tuesday that their spokesperson could not represent them in court.

Judge Bruce Henning ruled Indian Moon Ravenstone would not be given status
to be agent for Joseph Agecoutay, 44, and Robert Agecoutay, 46, after
allowing Ravenstone to make his case.

Ravenstone argued that it was "odd" not to allow a chief to speak on behalf
of his people and suggested it was a right for First Nations people to grow
marijuana for medicinal purposes.

"Based on what you have told me, I don't think you will be a help to them,"
Henning said of Ravenstone's comments. "I won't let you speak on behalf of
them."

Last week, the two men dismissed their defence lawyers and requested
Ravenstone represent them. The bail hearing for the men was to proceed
Tuesday, but a delay in providing disclosure information to the accused
prompted Henning to adjourn the hearing to Sept. 20.

At issue was whether the Crown should release the information -- consisting
of more than 25 hours of witness and co-accused statements, a binder full of
documents seized during search warrants and police files -- to Ravenstone
via the accused without court permission. Normally, only the accused and
lawyers are to have access to disclosure for the purposes of preparing for
court.

Henning ruled the accused would not be allowed to share the disclosure with
Ravenstone or any other individual, except a lawyer if they change their
minds about seeking legal assistance. Federal Crown representative, Darrell
Blais, noted that ruling should also include publishing the information on
the Internet via websites.

Henning told the accused, "It's not permitted that you can use this
information as you see fit -- it's not lawful to disseminate or release that
material."

Henning said he would adjourn the case to allow the accused time to review
the information. He asked the Crown to have the disclosure made available to
them at the correctional centre and provide a secure space and the necessary
equipment for them to review it.

Meanwhile, two other co-accused, Chester Girard, 57, and Jack Northwood, 53,
got one step closer Tuesday to being released on bail.

Judge Janet McMurchy ruled that Northwood would be released on a
recognizance and $5,000 cash bail once his lawyer provides a specific
address in Victoria, B.C., at which he will reside. Northwood is expected to
be released once this detail is established.

For Girard, McMurchy questioned how he could reside in Brantford, Ont., and
work for a company in Ottawa, nearly a seven-hour commute. Clarification
regarding the living and working arrangements for Girard, if he were
released, was requested. Both men are to appear in court today at 9 a.m. at
which time a final decision on their bail will be made.

All four men, as well as co-accused Lawrence Agecoutay, 49, and Luke
Zigovitz, 25, are facing charges after police discovered almost 7,600
marijuana plants growing in large greenhouses on the Pasqua First Nation
during an Aug. 21 raid. The plants had a street value of about $7.5 million. 
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MAP posted-by: Josh