Great day at the office today as we learned that charges had been dropped by the Federal Crown in relation to a client charged with multiple counts of trafficking in drugs. This was a very odd case where my client had been arrested after driving around in a vehicle that was under surveillance by the police for about an hour. … Read More
Three years after the Stanley Cup Riot, investigation may be winding down: lawyer
VANCOUVER (NEWS1130) – Tomorrow will mark three years since the Stanley Cup Riot in Downtown Vancouver, and some of the accused are still making their way through the court system. News1130 legal analyst Michael Shapray explains there’s no statute of limitations in Canada on an indictable offence, like participating in a riot. That means this could go on for years. … Read More
Mother and uncle to be extradited to India in “honour” killing case
Jaswinder Sidhu of Maple Ridge was stabbed to death in Punjab Martin MacMahon and The Canadian Press May 9, 2014 4:02 pm VANCOUVER (NEWS1130) – A mother and uncle accused of ordering the so-called "honour" killing of a young woman from Maple Ridge have been ordered extradited to India by a BC Supreme Court judge. Jaswinder (Jassi) Sidhu was found … Read More
Crown Wants Cameras in Court for Riot Trials
Eight People Making First Appearances Today Erin Loxam/Amelia John VANCOUVER (NEWS1130) – The Crown says it plans to make an application to broadcast the court proceedings of those accused in taking part in the Stanley Cup Riot. This backs up Premier Christy Clark’s promise from a throne speech earlier this year. It’s unknown how many of the suspects it could … Read More
Vancouver Riot Cases Expected to Clog Courts, Say Experts
BY SUZANNE FOURNIER AND JOHN COLEBOURN, POSTMEDIA NEWS VANCOUVER – Vancouver’s already “overburdened” court system could be crippled by the looming load of charges against up to 700 alleged Stanley Cup rioters, say stakeholders in the B.C. justice system. “There’s no question our court system is already overburdened and strained to the max, with the current shortage of judges, deputy-sheriffs … Read More
Rafay and Burns back in court appealing
Legitimacy of sting operation in question SEATTLE (NEWS1130) – Two West Vancouver men convicted of the gruesome murder of three family members in Bellevue in 1994 are in a US appeals courtroom today trying to have their convictions overturned. A controversial “Mr. Big” sting operation has come into question. News1130 Legal Analyst Michael Shapray says the tactic involved an undercover … Read More
Why the Vancouver Rioters Won’t be Punished
The B.C. Premier Promised that Rioters will be Brought to Justice. But that won’t Happen. by Nancy Macdonald In the wake of Vancouver’s riots, B.C.’s populist Premier Christy Clark was quick to read the public pulse. “We will hold you responsible,” she said the morning after the mayhem. “You will not be able to hide behind your hoodie or your … Read More
Rioters may avoid justice due to strained system: expert
Wait time for short trial date is up to 16 months VANCOUVER (NEWS1130) – Experts say unless changes are made to our justice system, many Stanley Cup rioters may never go to court because resources like judges and prosecutors are already strained. The other problem is the limited availability of court times in Vancouver, where all cases would have to … Read More
Charges against RCMP could derail case: expert
Prosecutors will try to limit the damage VANCOUVER (NEWS1130) – A defence lawyer says the charges against four senior RCMP officers involved in the Surrey Six case could derail the entire case. News1130 Legal Analyst Michael Shapray says any issues that cast doubt on the work of investigators could be a major focus during a trial. "That’s even more heightened … Read More
Why Riot Photos may Not be Enough Evidence in Court
In the handful of days since riots tore through downtown Vancouver, locals have taken to Facebook and other social media as a way to identify troublemakers and vandals. But despite massive amounts of photographic evidence that appear to show rioters committing vandalism, smashing windows and assaulting bystanders, sometimes a photo is simply just a photo. Michael Shapray, a criminal lawyer, … Read More