Pubdate: Sat, 11 Nov 2006
Source: Winnipeg Free Press (CN MB)
Copyright: 2006 Winnipeg Free Press
Contact:  http://www.winnipegfreepress.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/502
Author: Aldo Santin

ANGRY JUDGE ISSUES ARREST WARRANT FOR INMATE ALREADY IN
JAIL

AN angry provincial court judge issued an arrest warrant yesterday 
for an inmate who refused to appear for a preliminary hearing -- even 
though he's already in jail.

Judge Glenn Joyal said it was unacceptable for Roland Charles 
Sutherland, 35, to refuse to attend the hearing on drug charges.

Joyal said he was puzzled by Sutherland's non-appearance -- 
especially because Sutherland is already serving time at the 
Headingley Correctional Centre.

Defence lawyer Saheel Zaman said he could offer no explanation to the 
court for Sutherland's absence, other than that the man simply 
refused to allow himself to be transported to the Law Courts building.

Sutherland faces charges including possession of a controlled 
substance and trafficking.

Joyal said that when accused people fail to appear for a trial or 
hearing, it inconveniences witnesses who had to arrange their 
schedules to testify. "It's just unacceptable," Joyal said of 
Sutherland's actions.

Joyal said he expected Sutherland would be immediately arrested, 
removed from Headingley and taken to the Remand Centre, where he will 
remain until bail is determined.

Joyal said he would ask officials at Headingley Correctional Centre 
to explain why they were unable to have Sutherland ready when 
sheriff's officers went to pick him up early Friday morning.
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MAP posted-by: Elaine