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. - --- MAP posted-by: Elaine