Pubdate: Tue, 6 May 2008
Source: Nelson Daily News (CN BC)
Copyright: 2008 Nelson Daily News
Contact:  http://www.mapinc.org/media/288
Note: The newspaper does not have an active website.
Author: Sara Newham
Note: The newspaper does not have an active website.
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/topic/holy+smoke

ACCUSED COULD FEEL - AND SMELL - THE SUPPORT

They came in a pack, many adorned in hippie clothing with dreadlocks 
in their hair and happy-go-lucky spirit about them, to support the 
Holy Smoke Four.

This crowd of 15 or so colourful characters could be spotted milling 
around the courthouse during the frequent recesses of the drug 
trafficking trial last week and added to the unique atmosphere 
surrounding the case.

"The support really felt good Lots of pats on the back and lots of 
prayers people were telling me," said co-accused Paul DeFelice 
following the end of testimony Friday.

Among the supportive audience was a particular man who drew attention 
to himself for rather odiferous reasons.

"I don't know if I should mention the one supporter that we might 
have done better without," said DeFelice.  "I noticed the press and 
people had trouble with, we could maybe call him a wilderness 
dweller, who came out of the woods to support us but probably hasn't 
visited a shower in awhile."

DeFelice said he still appreciated the prayers and support of the man 
whose personal scent - a heady combination of marijuana, campfire and 
some variety of fish - permeated the courtroom to the point that 
witnesses and audience members wretched during two days of testimony.

"People gave him a lot of room and I fortunately or unfortunately 
have a bit of a nasal problem so I could talk to him and be 
close.  He's definitely a strong supporter though," said DeFelice, 
noting he and his fellow accused have support from all sections of 
society.  "The sad story is he's a brilliant and a smart person but 
unfortunately his hygiene makes it difficult to be around." 
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MAP posted-by: Richard Lake