Pubdate: Sat, 09 Dec 2017
Source: Cape Breton Post (CN NS)
Copyright: 2017 Cape Breton Post
Contact:  http://www.capebretonpost.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/777
Page A2

ACCUSED RELEASED ON CONDITIONS

Unprecedented support shown for drug accused

In an unprecedented show of support for an accused, some 80 people
crowded into two Sydney courtrooms Friday to attend a bail hearing for
a man charged with drug trafficking.

The crowd left the Sydney Justice Centre cheering and clapping and
drove away beeping their horns in showing their extreme pleasure with
the decision to grant bail.

Provincial court Judge Peter Ross allowed the release of Donald James
Campbell, 38, who is charged with two counts of possession for the
purpose of trafficking, involving marijuana and hashish. He faces an
additional drug charge of growing marijuana.

He is also facing five counts of breaching court orders and single
counts of possession of a weapon while prohibited and careless storage
of a weapon, a .22-calibre rifle.

In order to secure his release, Ross ordered Campbell to post $8,000
in cash bail while two other individuals will post a combined total of
$60,000 in property.

Among the conditions of his release, Campbell is to live in Glace Bay
and abide by a curfew. He is not to possess any weapons, alcohol or
drugs not prescribed him by a physician. He is also to report, in
person, three times a week to Cape Breton Regional Police.

Campbell, who has a lengthy criminal record for such offences as
assault, breaching court orders and property offences, is to return to
court Jan. 12 for arraignment. He also a trial set in Supreme Court in
April on an unrelated of aggravated assault.

He was one of three people charged after regional police raided two
commercial properties and two residential homes last week. Police
report seizing an estimated $200,000 worth of drugs along with $20,000
cash.

The two commercial properties are known as Cape Breton Medical
Cannabis (CBMC), a medical marijuana dispensary.

While those attending Friday's hearing were there to support Campbell,
they also support public access to marijuana for medical reasons.

"CBMC saved my life. I'll be here standing by their side no matter
what they go through," said Jeff Tobin, in an interview with the Cape
Breton Post earlier this week when Campbell was first brought to court.

He said severe back pain, caused by two herniated discs plus a mass
wedged between one disc and his spinal cord, led Tobin to many doctors
and to try many prescription painkillers without success.

He first tried medical marijuana six months ago and went to CBMC. Now,
the 34-year old said he is doing things he hasn't done in years.

The Nova Scotia government has announced that it will allow the sale
of marijuana in the province but only through government controlled
liquor stores. There are no provisions to open the business to private
sector.

The support for Campbell and the cause forced courthouse staff to open
a second courtroom to allow those attending to watch the bail hearing
via video link.

Sheriff deputies were aided in their security duties Friday by several
officers from the regional police.

The court heard testimony from three defence witnesses. Testimony from
the hearing is banned from publication until a final verdict is
rendered in the case.

Others attending the hearing Friday spoke of similar results as Tobin
in being able to resume normal living thanks to the benefits of marijuana.

Also charged along with Campbell is Paul Raymond Theriault, 39 of
Upper Prince Street, a volunteer at CBMC. He is charged with one count
of possession for the purpose of trafficking and one count of
trafficking.

Stephanie Marie Boutilier, 24, of Grand Lake Road, is charged with one
count of possession for the purpose of trafficking.

Both are to also to return to court Jan. 12. They were previously
released on conditions.
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MAP posted-by: Matt