Pubdate: Thu, 01 Nov 2007
Source: Montreal Gazette (CN QU)
Copyright: 2007 The Gazette, a division of Southam Inc.
Contact:  http://www.canada.com/montreal/montrealgazette/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/274
Author: Paul Cherry, The Gazette
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/mjcn.htm (Marijuana - Canada)
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/coke.htm (Cocaine)
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/find?188 (Outlaw Bikers)

WITNESS AGAINST LAWYER 'LIES LIKE HE BREATHES': DEFENCE

Accused of Assisting Hells Angels Drug Deals, Attorney Charged With Gangsterism

It is not every day that lawyers sit in as spectators on trials in 
which they have no stake. But then, it is not every day one of their 
colleagues is defending himself against allegations of gangsterism 
and obstructing justice. Several lawyers took seats in a Montreal 
courtroom where closing arguments were heard yesterday in the 
Superior Court case against Benoit Cliche, 48, a lawyer charged with 
committing an offence to benefit a criminal organization.

He is alleged to have acted as a messenger and peacemaker for a drug 
trafficking network run by Steven (Bull) Bertrand, who had close ties 
to the Hells Angels.

Cliche's lawyer, Jacques Larochelle, depicted key crown witness Andre 
Bernier, a drug dealer turned informant, as someone who "lies like he 
breathes" and was trying to snare a defence lawyer to impress his 
police handlers.

Bernier testified that Cliche called him to his office on Feb. 6, 
2003, for a meeting with other dealers who worked under Bertrand 
while the latter was serving time in a federal penitentiary.

Bernier wanted to talk to someone in Bertrand's organization about 
the poor quality of cocaine he was being supplied, and about threats 
he was receiving over marijuana that vanished.

Cliche appeared to have set up the meeting after visiting Bertrand in 
prison the day before, Bernier said. While Cliche did not discuss 
drug trafficking with him, Bernier said, Cliche shook his hand at the 
end of the meeting and said: "Don't worry. We are going to take care of this."

Larochelle told the jurors that if all the Crown has to rely on is 
Bernier's testimony, they can't find Cliche guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

Prosecutor Pierre Proulx argued that outside evidence supports 
Bernier's testimony.

Justice Jean-Guy Boilard is expected to instruct the jury today. 
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