Much hand-wringing and expressions of disbelief have resulted from BC Provincial Crown Counsel’s latest failure to capitalize on criminal organization legislation introduced a few years ago in response to the growth and prosperity enjoyed by criminal gangs across Canada. In Neal Hall’s Vancouver Sun column from November 28 (http://www.vancouversun.com/news/Judge+delivers+body+blow+Crown+Hells+Angels+case/2279815/story.html) he refers to RCMP Inspector Gary Shinkaruk’s surprise when comparing this BC Supreme Court result with more favourable outcomes in Ontario, Quebec and Manitoba.
A few people have expressed their concern to me after reading Hall’s description of the smiling judge and his six second announcement in support of a defense application that Crown cannot proceed with charges that allege that the Hell’s Angels meet the Criminal Code definition of a criminal organization. More still have expressed frustration with the image of the smiling accused reacting to the announcement from the bench. I feel badly for the police on this one….Project E-Pandora was an outstanding effort by these talented and dedicated officers.
Having not witnessed these proceedings, it’s difficult to determine where the breakdown occurred. Clearly, the presiding judge wasn’t satisfied beyond a reasonable doubt that the Crown’s case was proven with respect to this particular legislation. Out of regard for the public interest, we can only hope that the remaining substantive drug charges result in the appropriate verdict and prison terms for this misunderstood pair of motorcycle enthusiasts.
On the good news front when contemplating the crime business, kudos to Jim Chu and Doug Lepard of the VPD in demonstrating real leadership in their expression of support for a full public inquiry into the investigation of the Missing Women case. Knowing full well that the findings will not likely flatter their department or the RCMP, it’s this kind of principle-based leadership which should restore widespread confidence in our policing institutions. The public inquiry will, in all likelihood, surface examples of mistakes made at full speed which can be forgiven. It may also surface decisions based on the socio-economic status of these victims, which should not. As Maggie DeVries, the sister of Sarah, has said….”it’s a very loud silence”. More here: http://www.nationalpost.com/related/topics/story.html?id=2282623.
The truth will come out. We will learn from this.