Pubdate: Fri, 25 May 2001
Source: Surrey Leader (CN BC)
Copyright: 2001 Surrey Leader
Contact:  http://www.surreyleader.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1236
Author: Kevin Diakiw
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/mjparty.htm (Canadian Marijuana Party)

BRIERE CHANGES MIND ON JAIL TIME

Last week Donald Briere hoped to spend four years in the provincial 
legislature. Now he's hoping to avoid spending that length of time in a 
federal penitentiary.

The Marijuana Party candidate for Surrey-Tynehead appeared in Surrey 
Provincial Court Wednesday for sentencing. Briere pleaded guilty on Dec. 4 
last year to four criminal offenses connected to the operation of several 
marijuana grow operations, and two weapons-related offenses.

Until last week, federal Crown counsel and Briere's lawyer agreed to a 
four-year jail term.

However, by the end of the week, Briere thought his future would be better 
determined by a judge.

"I'm in an awkward situation," Briere's lawyer Ron Coumont told Judge 
Gurmail Gill. "As of Friday last, my instructions have changed."

Briere hasn't changed his plea, Coumont assured the judge, but no longer 
agreed to the joint submission from Crown and defense.

Briere told The Leader Thursday his change of heart had more to do with 
principles than the fear of doing hard time.

Briere said that with a four-year sentence, he could be at a half-way house 
in eight months.

He concedes that he's risking a much stiffer sentence by opting out the 
agreement.

"It is kind of the principle of the thing," Briere said, noting that 
federal politicians are currently examining the possibility of 
decriminalizing marijuana.

Briere, along with his political party, doesn't believe growing or smoking 
pot should be a crime.

His sentencing has been re-scheduled for June 1.
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MAP posted-by: Terry Liittschwager