Pubdate: Tue, 23 Jan 2007
Source: Northumberland News (CN ON)
Copyright: 2007 by Metroland Printing, Publishing & Distributing, Ltd.
Contact:  http://www.durhamregion.com/dr/nn/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/2373

JUDGE RECOMMENDS ANTI-DRUG 'POSTER BOY' VISIT SCHOOLS

COBOURG - The 'poster boy' for anti-drug use, according to the crown 
attorney, was in Cobourg's Ontario Court of Justice last week to be 
sentenced on more drug charges.

Federal Crown Marc Bebee said in 2002, the accused had a stroke 
following three days of alcohol, cocaine and PCP use, and has been in 
a wheelchair ever since. Last year, police suspected he was selling 
drugs to high school students from his Victoria Street, Port Hope, home.

Following a search, the accused was charged on March 8, 2006, with 
possession for the purpose of trafficking and unauthorized possession 
of restricted weapons (37 collector edition butterfly knives). Police 
also found $1,400 cash and 234 grams of marijuana.

"Obviously he hasn't got the message," said the crown, who asked for 
a weekend jail sentence for the accused or a conditional sentence of 
six months, with forfeiture of the weapons, counselling for substance 
abuse and non-association with anyone who has a criminal record.

Defense Counsel Nathan Gotlieb said the cash was from a disability 
cheque and funds the accused had received for his birthday. He 
submitted a letter to the court from the accused's doctor, and said 
his client had had a dramatic personality change since his stroke and 
now wanted to complete his education.

Mr. Gotlieb said the accused was on Tylenol 3 and anti-seizure 
medication, and did not use marijuana any more. About the possession 
charge, he said, "It was not a sophisticated operation - just to 
finance his own use."

"Forgive us for not being highly-suspicious given the quantity and 
the number of kids (visiting the home)," said Justice Robert Graydon. 
"Were it not for your medical condition, you would be going to the 
Central East Correctional Centre today."

Given the fact the accused is confined to wheelchair and is cared for 
by his mother, Justice Graydon imposed a six-month conditional 
sentence, followed by probation for one year. The judge added the 
other conditions as recommended by the crown, as well as orders not 
to allow any high school students in his residence without the 
approval of his probation officer, to abstain from the use of 
non-prescribed drugs and take rehabilitation programs as recommended.

"Any breaches and you will likely go to jail," Justice Graydon said 
to Shawn Greacen, 22.

The judge also told the accused that part of his conditional sentence 
would also be to visit area schools to talk about the dangers of drug 
use to students.

"I would be impressed if you would attend classes of young 
impressionable students and tell them about how you came to be in that chair.

"This is your opportunity to put something back," said Justice 
Graydon, adding if the accused turned one person away from using 
drugs, "you should feel pretty good about yourself."
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