Pubdate: Sat, 17 Mar 2007 Source: Vancouver Sun (CN BC) Copyright: 2007 The Vancouver Sun Contact: http://www.canada.com/vancouver/vancouversun/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/477 Author: Kim Bolan, Vancouver Sun Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/coke.htm (Cocaine) Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/find?188 (Outlaw Bikers) JUDGE ISSUES APOLOGY FOR SWEARING IN COURT Public Controversy Over Use Of F-Word Led To Special Court Sitting Friday B.C. Supreme Court Justice Peter Leask gave a heartfelt apology Friday for profanity he used earlier in the week during the Crown's closing arguments in a drug trafficking case. Courtroom 55 was packed for the special sitting arranged by Chief Justice Donald Brenner at Leask's request over the public controversy that erupted over the swearing incident Tuesday morning, which took place while a school group was in the public gallery. "I know you are all aware of the circumstances surrounding my completely improper use of language during closing submissions in Regina v. Hehn," Leask began, reading his statement slowly and clearly. "Today, I wish to apologize to the public, to any members of the public who were in court on Tuesday, including especially the schoolchildren, the lawyers of the province, court staff, judicial administrative staff, and all members of this court, past and present, as well as members of other courts of this province. The language I used had no place in court. I was wrong in using this language. I hereby wish to make an unreserved apology to all those I have enumerated and acknowledge that my behaviour was inexcusable." Leask, a prominent defence lawyer until he was appointed to the B.C. Supreme Court in November 2005, sounded emotional at points during his statement. "In the circumstances, I can only humbly request that members of the public, the court and judicial staff, the bar and my past and present judicial colleagues will accept my unreserved apology in the spirit in which it is offered," he said. "To the extent that my conduct has damaged the reputation of the court, it pains me greatly and I am particularly anxious that my colleagues recognize my contrition." He also said he did not want his conduct to reflect poorly on the "judiciary as a whole or my arduously working colleagues. I deeply regret my actions. They will not be repeated," he said. Defence lawyers, prosecutors, reporters and sheriffs joined members of the public for the unusual event. The consensus afterwards was that Leask did the right thing to end the controversy by apologizing. Leask acquitted Glen Jonathan Hehn, a member of the Hells Angels, Wednesday on a cocaine trafficking charge, saying he accepted Hehn's testimony that he was unaware a friend had been using Hehn's storage locker to stash 52 kilograms of cocaine. A day earlier, when federal prosecutor Ernie Froess was making his final submissions, Leask used "f---ing" twice, as well as other profanity. Froess told reporters that he had never asked for an apology. "His comments were obviously heartfelt and very genuine and as far as I'm concerned that puts this issue to rest," Froess said. "His comments at the time didn't give me any particular concern. I had no concerns that the Crown was not being afforded a fair hearing. To the contrary, I thought the Crown received a very fair hearing." Lawyer Neil Cobb, who was representing Hehn, lashed out at The Vancouver Sun for its coverage of the issue. "I felt terrible listening to him say that in light of all his years of tireless public service," Cobb said. "He didn't deserve this maelstrom and we are bordering on offended the fact that it's happened." Lawyer Terry La Liberte, who described Leask as a mentor to him, said the judge does not use profanity outside of court. "His comments today were a full and complete apology," La Liberte said, noting Leask's "absolutely impeccable reputation. That's the end of it." Ten-year-old Adam Veitch came to court with his dad Jason after learning of the special event through the media. "It was good that he apologized for what he said because that was kind of inappropriate what he said, especially because there was students there," Adam said, adding the lesson he learned about swearing was that "you shouldn't do it, especially when there's a lot of people there because it can get back to you in bad ways." Jason Veitch said he wanted his son to learn a "lesson about being a responsible citizen and a good member of society to listen about how people apologize." - --- MAP posted-by: Beth Wehrman