Cop run over, driver found guilty

durham region news: ajax, pickering, whitby, oshawa, scugog, uxbridge and clarington newspapers: "OSHAWA -- A former Oshawa man has been found guilty of several charges after an incident last summer in which a Durham cop was run over during a traffic stop. "

TheStar.com - Murder case evidence went missing, trial told

TheStar.com - Murder case evidence went missing, trial told - A key piece of evidence in a murder case - a heavy bat carried by a drug dealer when he was fatally shot - went missing from the crime scene and was not found until the first day of the trial 10 months later, a jury has heard.

Woman sought in slaying surrenders

TheStar.com - Woman sought in slaying surrenders: "A 19-year-old woman wanted in connecton with the shooting death of her ex-boyfriend has surrendered to police. "

Young mother sought in Scarborough slaying

TheStar.com - Young mother sought in Scarborough slaying: "Toronto police have issued a warrant for the arrest of a woman in connection with the shooting death of her ex-boyfriend, who was also the father of their eight-month-old girl.

Jermaine Watson, an 18-year-old student, was shot to death last Sunday in a penthouse apartment in the Markham Rd. and Lawrence Ave. E. area.

Police say there was friction between the deceased and Jacqueline Levesque, 19, his former girlfriend and the mother of his child."

Guite case goes to jury

TheStar.com - Guite case goes to jury: "MONTREAL � The jury in Chuck Guite's fraud trial has started deliberations.
The 12 jurors were sequestered today after Justice Fraser Martin of Quebec Superior Court completed his instructions to them."

TheStar.com - Robber accused of Markham purse snatchings

TheStar.com - Robber accused of Markham purse snatchings: A 23-year-old Toronto man convicted of a convenience store robbery in Richmond Hill is now accused of committing a series of purse snatchings in York Region in 2005.

TheStar.com - 16-year-old charged in sword slashing attack

TheStar.com - 16-year-old charged in sword slashing attack: A 16-year-old teen has been charged in connection with a sword-slashing incident at a Brampton school.

Reodica inquest raises many questions

TheStar.com - Reodica inquest raises many questions: "Two weeks into a coroner's inquest, more questions have surfaced than have been answered as to what led to the fatal shooting of Jeffrey Reodica, 17, by an undercover police officer."

SIU called in after suspect kills himself

TheStar.com - SIU called in after suspect kills himself: "Police and provincial investigators are trying to learn what provoked a man to wound another man in Brampton before shooting himself in the head yesterday.

The province's Special Investigations Unit is probing the deadly shooting because Peel Region officers were nearby when the man took his own life at about 2 p.m. The SIU is called in whenever civilians are seriously injured or killed during contact with police."

5 police scandal charges withdrawn

TheStar.com - 5 police scandal charges withdrawn: "It was supposed to be the first day of trial for a Toronto officer implicated in a large police corruption scandal, but yesterday several charges against Const. Rob Correa were thrown out at a police tribunal.

Prosecutor George Cowley asked hearing officer Supt. Bob Strathdee to withdraw five of the nine charges laid under the Police Services Act."

Evidence in murder `has DNA and more'

TheStar.com - Evidence in murder `has DNA and more' DNA, video surveillance and eyewitness testimony point overwhelmingly to one man as the killer who left 44-year-old Miriana Ivancicevic horribly disfigured and dying in an apartment building stairwell, a prosecutor says.

Five suspects sought after teen shot dead

TheStar.com - Five suspects sought after teen shot dead: "Toronto police are looking for four men and a woman after an 18-year-old man was shot to death in an east-end highrise apartment."

Judge throws the book at transcripts

TheStar.com - Judge throws the book at transcripts: Trials could be jeopardized because of incompetent court employees and outdated recording equipment, an angry Brampton judge has warned. Bob Mitchell reports.

Thieves steal copper from church roof

TheStar.com - Thieves steal copper from church roof: "MONTREAL (CP) Skyrocketing metal prices have prompted a few thieves to turn to God for a little extra cash.

Thieves working under the cloak of darkness recently pried away sections of roofs, gutters and wiring made of copper from four Quebec City churches."

2 die in collision; teens held

TheStar.com - 2 die in collision; teens held: "Two teens driving separate cars are in custody after one of the cars collided with a third vehicle killing two people Saturday night."

Homicide #24/2006, Seema Badhan, 19

Toronto Police Service :: To Serve and Protect: On Friday, May 26, 2006, at approximately 9:20 a.m., police ere called to 111 Raglan Avenue for unknown trouble. Officers located the lifeless body of a woman on the ground at the rear of the building. She has been identified as Seema Badhan, 19, of the Greater Toronto Area. A post-mortem examination is scheduled for Saturday, May 27, 2006. Her estranged husband, Zohaib Shaukat, 18, of Toronto, has been charged with First Degree Murder.

Safety organization assails Harper plan to punish street racers

globeandmail.com : Safety organization assails Harper plan to punish street racers: "VICTORIA -- Canada's leading safety organization says plans by the federal Conservative government to criminalize street racing will save few lives while saddling teenagers with lifetime criminal records."

Judge makes the right call in bird case

TheStar.com - Judge makes the right call in bird case: "Once in every long while, a trial comes along that rivets a nation, claims a place in legal history and challenges public faith in justice and the natural order of things.

The Scopes Monkey Trial leaps to mind. Roe v. Wade is another. The O.J murder trial one more."

'Rapsheet' backfires

TorontoSun.com - Toronto And GTA - 'Rapsheet' backfires: "An underground DVD featuring local 'gangsta' rappers is proving a bane to accused members of the Doomstown Crips -- and a boon to police who used the music video as a roadmap during the recent Project XXX gang sweep. "

TheStar.com - Five face telemarketing charges

TheStar.com - Five face telemarketing charges: OTTAWA — The Competition Bureau has charged five individuals and three companies in a multi-million-dollar, 10-year telemarketing scam that operated in Canada and the United States.

Charges were laid against Judy Neinstein, 62, of Toronto, Bernard Fromstein, 54, of Oakville, Ont; Paul Barnard, 54, of Ajax, Ont., and James Sharo, 56, and George Pavlopoulos, 35, both of St-Hubert, Que.

Sex offender spared prison because of height

TheStar.com - Sex offender spared prison because of height: "LINCOLN, Neb. - A judge's decision to sentence a 5-foot-1 man to probation instead of prison for sexually assaulting a child has angered crime victim advocates who say the punishment sends the wrong message."

Racism and Gun Violence in Toronto�s Black community

New Socialist Group: TORONTO: Racism and Gun Violence in Toronto�s Black community: "When her son Segun did not come home one night, Julia Farquharson became con-cerned. She had heard rumours from a neighbour that there was a shooting in the parking lot near her townhouse. When she saw the police yellow tape go up she ventured over to ask the police who had been shot. An officer asked to see her son�s picture. Julia returned with a photograph. Moments later a detective approached her and with a cold routineness said �Okay, we�re taking you down to the police station and then we�re taking you to the morgue.� "

[...]

6 more nabbed in raid are out on bail

TorontoSun.com - Toronto And GTA - 6 more nabbed in raid are out on bail Another seven people charged in last week's massive police raid, dubbed Project XXX, were free on bail yesterday bringing the total number released to 30.

Ottawa promises street-racing crackdown

globeandmail.com : Ottawa promises street-racing crackdown: "The federal government will introduce new legislation this spring aimed at cracking down on street racing by making the practice a criminal offence and imposing minimum sentences for those convicted, Prime Minister Stephen Harper said Thursday."

PM's crime agenda includes meth labs

PM's crime agenda includes meth labs: "OTTAWA -- Prime Minister Stephen Harper will make an announcement on his government's tough law-and-order agenda at RCMP headquarters in Vancouver today."

Killer to serve at least 15 years

TheStar.com - Killer to serve at least 15 years: "A factory worker who stabbed and nearly decapitated a mother of two in a bedroom of her Toronto home has been sentenced to life in prison with no eligibility of parole for 15 years. "

Gang trials in new court

TorontoSun.com - Toronto And GTA - Gang trials in new court: "Ontario's first major crime court will open this fall to handle the high-risk gang trials currently underway in Toronto.

The announcement from Attorney General Michael Bryant follows the police takedowns of the Malvern Crew, Scarborough's Galloway Boys, the Ardwick Blood Crew and most recently, the Jamestown Crips. "

Battling false child porn charges

TheStar.com - Battling false child porn charges: "A 58-year-old retired dentist falsely accused of possessing child pornography is suing Toronto and York Region police, alleging that officers over a four-year period conspired to harm and harass him."

Pet owner gets her cockatoo back

TheStar.com - Pet owner gets her cockatoo back: The first thing Elaine Menna will do when she is reunited with her cockatoo is kiss the parrot � 'and ask her to kiss me, and see if she remembers."

City loses parking fine battle

TheStar.com - City loses parking fine battle

A judge has quashed a Toronto bylaw banning private companies from issuing parking tickets, which means tickets issued without city or police involvement are perfectly legal. Paul Moloney and Vanessa Lu report.

Toronto's Door's Open - Osgoode Hall

Osgoode Hall has been the most popular building for several years in DOORS OPEN TORONTO since the city-wide event began in 2000. The Law Society, together with the Court of Appeal of Ontario, is pleased to participate once again in this year's weekend-long event on May 27 and 28.

For more information on Toronto's Door's Open Event, visit http://www.doorsopen.org/

Serge Savard pleads guilty to impaired driving

CANOE -- CNEWS - Law: Serge Savard pleads guilty to impaired driving: "MONTREAL (CP) - Former Montreal Canadiens great Serge Savard has told court authorities he intends to plead guilty to a charge of impaired driving."

Project Tic Toc - 23 people face 138 charges

Toronto Police Service :: To Serve and Protect: "An investigation into an organized group of individuals allegedly actively involved in the theft and distribution of stolen tractor-trailers and their associated cargo within the GTA has resulted in the arrest of 23 people who now face 138 charges."

Transsexuals can choose officer for strip search: tribunal

CANOE -- CNEWS - Law: Transsexuals can choose officer for strip search: tribunal: "TORONTO (CP) - A group that supports transgender rights is applauding a 'precedent-setting' decision by the Human Rights Tribunal of Ontario that gives transsexuals who are strip-searched by police the right to choose between male or female officers or both to perform the act. "

Law: Bandidos suspect worried he won't get a fair trail

CANOE -- CNEWS - Law: Bandidos suspect worried he won't get a fair trail ST. THOMAS — Notorious biker and multiple-murder suspect Wayne Kellestine has concerns he won’t get a fair trial.

Bail denied for accused in 1969 police shooting

TheStar.com - Bail denied for accused in 1969 police shooting: "An Ontario judge has rejected bail for a man accused of shooting a Chicago police officer in 1969.

Joseph Pannell, 57, is facing extradition to the U.S. on charges of breaching bail, attempted murder and aggravated battery."

Accused in gang raids appear in court - 23 out on bail in anti-gang sweep

TheStar.com - Accused in gang raids appear in court: "Included on yesterday's court docket of people arrested as part of last week's anti-gang sweep targeting the Jamestown Crew is an entire family, girlfriends and their boyfriends, the employed and jobless, and at least three pregnant women."

Blackout killer jailed for minimum of 10 years

TheStar.com - Blackout killer jailed for minimum of 10 years: "A 26-year-old Mississauga man will spend at least the next 10 years behind bars for the stabbing death of another young man during the night of the infamous blackout of August 2003."

Former Six Nations resident was a main gun supplier for a West End Toronto street gang

Hamilton Spectator - News: "Former Six Nations resident was a main gun supplier for a West End Toronto street gang"

MP's bill makes it a crime to harm unborn child

guelphmercury.com INSIDER MP's bill makes it a crime to harm unborn child: "A Conservative MP has introduced a private members bill that would make it a separate criminal offence to harm an unborn child in cases where a pregnant mother is assaulted or murdered, the Toronto Star reported yesterday."

Homicide #21/2006, Mahmood Bhatti, 40, Public assistance sought in locating suspect, Jonathan Forder, 31

Toronto Police Service :: To Serve and Protect: Homicide #21/2006, Mahmood Bhatti, 40, Public assistance sought in locating suspect, Jonathan Forder, 31

Charge details for major project "Project XXX"

Toronto Police Service :: To Serve and Protect. Click on the link to see a list of charges including those charged for Project XXX.

IFILM - Video Search: Robber erroneously thinks he is locked in - funny

IFILM - Video Search: Funny video of a man trying to get out after thinking he is locked in after a robbery sets off an alarm. Very funny.

6 guns, drugs seized after pair arrested

TorontoSun.com - Toronto And GTA - 6 guns, drugs seized after pair arrested: "Six handguns and thousands of dollars in crack cocaine and marijuana were seized after the arrest of two men, one out on bail for attempted murder, police said yesterday. "

Homicide #23/2006, Chan−Ung Park, 79

Chan−Ung Park, the 79−year−old victim of a street robbery on Wednesday, May 17, 2006, succumbed to his injuries at 10:24 a.m., on Saturday, May 20, 2006, in hospital.

The robbery took place in Dentonia Park. Two teenagers were arrested by members of 54 Division that evening.

Rapist rearrested hours after release

TheStar.com - Rapist rearrested hours after release: "A convicted rapist who refused treatment in prison is again behind bars."

Guilty plea for former city councillor

The Brampton Guardian: Guilty plea for former city councillor: "A former Brampton city councillor who attempted a political comeback in the last municipal election has pleaded guilty to charges of 'gross indecency' involving four boys more than 30 years ago. "

Police name gang's gun runner

TheStar.com - Police name gang's gun runner: "Some gang leaders previously jailed. Several appear on hip-hop DVD Brantford man in U.S. prison Illegal weapons came from Texas"

Traffic blitz nets drunk, reckless drivers

TheStar.com - Traffic blitz nets drunk, reckless drivers: "OPP have laid about 450 charges since yesterday in their annual holiday safety blitz as traffic heads to cottage country for the long weekend. "

Gang hierarchy laid out

TheStar.com - Gang hierarchy laid out: "Police are focusing on a hard-core group of Jamestown Crips as the brains behind the criminal enterprise."

TheStar.com - Police name gang's gun runner

TheStar.com - Police name gang's gun runner A Canadian resident serving time in a U.S. penitentiary for trafficking guns was one of the main suppliers of firepower to the Jamestown Crew. Betsy Powell and John Duncanson report.

Sunday school teacher acquitted of sex assault on teen

durham region news: ajax, pickering, whitby, oshawa, scugog, uxbridge and clarington newspapers: "OSHAWA -- A Durham Sunday school teacher has been acquitted of sexual assault by a judge who ruled it cannot be proven the man meant to touch a teenaged girl�s breasts. "

Jamestown Crips dismantled, police say

insidetoronto.com: "Police say they have shut down a firearms 'pipeline' from Houston, Texas as a result of Project XXX, the investigation that led to the dismantling of the Jamestown Crips with more than 100 arrests Thursday morning. "

No proof pit bull ban is necessary: Ruby

TheStar.com - No proof pit bull ban is necessary: Ruby: "The Ontario government isn't bothering to provide proof that its pit bull ban is necessary, instead asking a judge to take its wisdom on faith, a dog owners' lawyer says."

Top cop orders internal review

TheStar.com - Top cop orders internal review: "Police Chief Bill Blair ordered an internal investigation yesterday into the handling of allegations of police corruption made by a veteran officer. "

Raids lead to over 1,000 charges

TheStar.com - Raids lead to over 1,000 charges: "One hundred and six suspects alleged to be connected to the Jamestown Crew face more than 1,000 criminal charges Toronto Police deputy chief Tony Warr said today."

Crown wants 25 years in Baldwin case

TheStar.com - Crown wants 25 years in Baldwin case: "The two grandmothers of Jeffrey Baldwin exchanged withering looks and harsh words today as prosecutors urged a judge to throw the book at the two people convicted of starving the five-year-old boy to death in 2002. "

Greenspan blasts `hostile' Mexican police

TheStar.com - Greenspan blasts `hostile' Mexican police: "The family of Dominic and Nancy Ianiero is growing ever more frustrated with Mexican investigators and losing hope they'll ever get to the bottom of what happened to the slain Ontario couple, their lawyer said today. "

Counterfeit ring busted by police

TheStar.com - Counterfeit ring busted by police: "At least 30 people have been arrested in the Peel-led dismantling of a major counterfeit money-making ring that laundered millions of dollars of cash through popular consumer retail chains throughout Ontario and in Montreal."

CBC Toronto - Lawyer shocked that convicted Toronto police officer kept job: letter

CBC Toronto - Lawyer shocked that convicted Toronto police officer kept job: letter: " Lawyer shocked that convicted Toronto police officer kept job: letter "

A senior Crown attorney who prosecuted a corruption case against a Toronto Police officer three years ago wrote in a letter that he was shocked to learn the officer didn't lose his job despite pleading guilty to drug offences, CBC Radio has learned.

Juvenile arrested in connection with firing of gun

insidetoronto.com A youth has been arrested in connection with a shooting on Weston Road April 5.

30 people charged in connection with a violent criminal enterprise

Mississauga News Online: "Two Mississauga residents are among 30 people charged in connection with a violent criminal enterprise that profited from bank robberies and the production of counterfeit cash."

Raids target Etobicoke gang

TheStar.com - Raids target Etobicoke gang: "Cash, guns, cocaine seized in pre-dawn operation"

Top court won't intervene in Ruffo case

CANOE -- CNEWS - Law: Top court won't intervene in Ruffo case: "MONTREAL (CP) - Quebec youth court Judge Andree Ruffo is resigning after the Supreme Court of Canada's refusal to hear her case."

CANOE -- CNEWS - Law: In-car T.O. police cameras a bust: report

CANOE -- CNEWS - Law: In-car T.O. police cameras a bust: report: "Toronto Police's test of in-car cameras has been a flop."

Jail killers 25 years, Jeffrey's grandmother says

TheStar.com - Jail killers 25 years, Jeffrey's grandmother says A grandmother of a five-year-old boy who was allowed to starve to death by his maternal grandparents said Wednesday the pair are beasts and have no natural affection.

Toronto Police Service Press Release - Man arrested for Sexual Assaults

Toronto Police Service :: To Serve and Protect: "Man arrested for Sexual Assaults - Jaroslaw Lutoslawski, 41 - 51 Division

Real life Law & Order

TorontoSun.com - Other Entertainment News - Real life Law & Order: "NEW YORK -- The daughter of former Law & Order star Dianne Wiest has pleaded guilty to a theft charge in an alleged attack on a male classmate with two other girls last year. "

Pit bulls 'automatic guns of dog world'

TheStar.com - Pit bulls 'automatic guns of dog world': "Government lawyers defended Ontario's controversial ban on pit bulls from a constitutional challenge Tuesday by insisting the law is a vital tool in the province's efforts to protect the public from what they consider dangerous weapons. "

Law: Hells Angels wife pleads guilty

CANOE -- CNEWS - Law: Hells Angels wife pleads guilty: "The wife of local Hells Angels president Ernie Dew has been sentenced to five years in prison after she pleaded guilty today to selling a kilogram of cocaine from her St. Andrews home. "

Boyfriend charged in killing

TheStar.com - Boyfriend charged in killing: "A 20-year-old Ryerson University student is dead and her boyfriend is charged with second-degree murder in an early-morning stabbing in the woman's Chinatown apartment yesterday."

Toronto Police Service Press Release - Shooting

Toronto Police Service :: To Serve and Protect:

On Friday, May 12, 2006, a 19-year-old man was walking in the Ionview Road/Eglinton Avenue East area. It is alleged that at approximately 11 p.m. he was shot twice by an unknown man.

The victim was struck in the abdomen and the foot. He was taken to hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.

Toronto Police Service Press Release - 51-year-old man has been arrested for sexual assaults of two children

Toronto Police Service :: To Serve and Protect

A 51-year-old man has been arrested after the Toronto Police Service received a complaint about the sexual assault of two children.

Police lay Over 250 drug-related charges, 24 arrested in Project "Masdinero"

Toronto Police Service :: To Serve and Protect:

Project "Masdinero",Over 250 drug-related charges, 24 arrested

"In August 2005, members of the Toronto Police Service Drug Squad Major Project Section started an investigation into a mid-level drug operation that dealt with the importing and exporting of marijuana and cocaine across the Canada/U.S. border."

Toronto Police Service - Press Release - $50,000 reward for information on Jane Creba murder

Toronto Police Service :: To Serve and Protect: A $50,000 reward was announced during a media conference regarding Homicide #78/2006, at police headquarters, on Tuesday, May 16, 2006.

Toronto Police Service - Press Release - $50,000 reward for information on Jane Creba murder

Toronto Police Service :: To Serve and Protect: A $50,000 reward was announced during a media conference regarding Homicide #78/2006, at police headquarters, on Tuesday, May 16, 2006.

Toronto Homicide #22 - Natalie Novakm, 20 - Toronto Police News Release

On Monday, May 15, 2006, at 3:33 a.m., police were called to 28 Grange Avenue for unknown trouble.

Police located the lifeless body of a 20−year−old woman with apparent stab wounds.

The victim has been identified as Natalie Novak, 20, of Toronto.

TheStar.com - Dealing with poverty: Carrots or sticks?

TheStar.com - Dealing with poverty: Carrots or sticks?: "It seems unbelievable, but Toronto's City Council is considering a motion requesting that the city solicitor investigate the possibility that the city enact a by law that would include a provision that 'no person can impede any other person's reasonable enjoyment of day-to-day activities through panhandling.' "

Constitutional challenge to Ontario pit bull law underway in Toronto court

Constitutional challenge to Ontario pit bull law underway in Toronto court: "Constitutional challenge to Ontario pit bull law underway in Toronto court"

Homes attacked with Molotovs

TheStar.com - Homes attacked with Molotovs: "Eight times within less than a month, Molotov cocktails have been thrown indiscriminately at homes and property in Richmond Hill, York Region police say."

It's a steal

TheStar.com - It's a steal: "It's a better deal than a movie theatre or a video store.

Five DVDs for $20, and they're yours to keep. The selection is vast, ranging from movies just released in the theatre to those just released on DVD. Titles include: Brokeback Mountain, The Chronicles of Narnia, The Shaggy Dog, Domino, Lucky Number Slevin, Match Point. "

Stats show youth crime on the decline

The Brampton Guardian: Stats show youth crime on the decline: " Stats show youth crime on the decline
Despite appearances, violent teen crime is down "

CANOE -- CNEWS - Law: Kristen French's mother in favour of capital punishment, but not for Bernardo

CANOE -- CNEWS - Law: Kristen French's mother in favour of capital punishment, but not for Bernardo: "SUDBURY, Ont. (CP) - The mother of murdered schoolgirl Kristen French is in favour of capital punishment but she wouldn't want Paul Bernardo, the sex killer responsible for her daughter's abduction, rape and murder, put to death. "

4 teens shot in day of violence

TheStar.com - 4 teens shot in day of violence: "Gunfire Police appeal for witnesses to come forward in incidents that left victims seriously wounded"

Is child killer here to stay?

TheStar.com - Is child killer here to stay?: "The now-notorious Min Chen, the quiet killer of 9-year-old Cecilia Zhang, will not only serve a stiff sentence here but almost certainly face the same fate again when he is paroled and deported back to his native China, we were told last week."

Cop 'upset' after shooting

TorontoSun.com - Toronto And GTA - Cop 'upset' after shooting: "The police officer who shot a Scarborough teen two years ago swore loudly and was visibly angry after pulling the trigger, an eyewitness told a coroner's inquest yesterday. "

Biker kingpin loses appeal

CANOE -- CNEWS - Law: Biker kingpin loses appeal: "MONTREAL (CP) - Former Hells Angels kingpin Maurice (Mom) Boucher has failed in his attempt to overturn the guilty verdict that sentenced him to life in prison for first-degree murder."

TheStar.com - Man arrested after takedown on 427

TheStar.com - Man arrested after takedown on 427 OPP officers arrested a murder suspect this morning after a showdown on Highway 427 near Burnamthorpe Rd.

RCMP task force also raises questions

TorontoSun.com - Toronto And GTA - RCMP task force also raises questions: Toronto Police "whistleblower" Sgt. Jim Cassells has refused to publicly detail his allegations of how "numerous" incidents of corruption have been swept under the carpet.

Prosecutor wants Pannell kept in jail

TheStar.com - Prosecutor wants Pannell kept in jail: "Joseph Pannell should not be freed from custody pending a decision on whether he should be sent back to Chicago on a charge of attempting to murder a police officer, court was told yesterday."

TheStar.com - Let police speak out: Lawyer

TheStar.com - Let police speak out: Lawyer: "Veteran sergeant suspended then quickly reinstated Met with Star reporter to reveal corruption, he says

TheStar.com - Serial killer moves closer to freedom

TheStar.com - Serial killer moves closer to freedom: Tribunal rules `Mad Slasher' be moved to Toronto facilityCentre that's held him for 30 years might face contempt

Cecilia's killer gets 15 years

TheStar.com - Cecilia's killer gets 15 years: Convicted child killer Min Chen will spend at least the next 13 years in prison before he can even think about applying for parole for murdering Toronto schoolgirl Cecilia Zhang.

Plea deal seen as best scenario

TheStar.com - Plea deal seen as best scenario: "In the end, police got their man and prosecutors gained a conviction, while devastated parents were spared a gut-wrenching trial."

Plea deal seen as best scenario

TheStar.com - Plea deal seen as best scenario: "In the end, police got their man and prosecutors gained a conviction, while devastated parents were spared a gut-wrenching trial."

Cop out, then back in

TorontoSun.com - Toronto And GTA - Cop out, then back in: "A Toronto Police 'whistleblower' who alleges that wrongdoing has been swept under the rug has been hauled up on the carpet for blowing the whistle.

Sgt. Jim Cassells, a 29-year veteran and a key detective on an RCMP-led task force investigating allegations of drug squad corruption, was first suspended but then quickly reinstated yesterday amid warnings that he is the subject of a second probe for talking with the media. "

[...]

No Second Trial For The OCAP Three Accused! | NEFAC

No Second Trial For The OCAP Three Accused! NEFAC: On May 11, the Judge declared a mistrial in the case of Stefan Pilipa, Gaetan Heroux and John Clarke. For four months, the three had been in a Toronto courtroom defending themselves on charges of 'participating in a riot', 'counselling to participate in a riot' and 'counselling to assault police. They faced maximum prison terms of up to five years in jail.

Reodica evidence handling queried

TheStar.com - Reodica evidence handling queried: "Police passed along shooting victim's clothing to SIU - Reodica family's lawyer criticized for behaviour at inquest"

Judge to rule Friday on parole for Cecilia Zhang's killer

CBC News: Judge to rule Friday on parole for Cecilia Zhang's killer: "An Ontario judge will rule Friday when the Chinese visa student convicted of killing nine-year-old Cecilia Zhang will be eligible for parole."

TheStar.com - Appeal court judges rule officer must face criminal trial

TheStar.com - Appeal court judges rule officer must face criminal trial: "A panel of appeal court judges has ruled that a Toronto police officer whose trial on sexual assault was thrown out because the case took too long to be heard will have to face a criminal trial.

Const. Ned Maodus was charged more than four years ago after he was arrested in his Orangeville home by Ontario Provincial Police officers."

A link to the case can be found at my other blog here:
http://canadiancriminalupdates.blogspot.com/

Knife focus of hearing

TheStar.com - Knife focus of hearing: "A forensic investigator found a knife at the spot where a Toronto police officer shot 17-year-old Jeffrey Reodica, a coroner's inquest was told yesterday."

Boys, 13 and 14, charged in bank heists

TheStar.com - Boys, 13 and 14, charged in bank heists: "VANCOUVER�Three boys � two aged 14, the other 13 � were back at home with their parents yesterday after being charged with a string of seven bank robberies that has police and youth-crime experts shaking their heads."

16 arrested for assault now down to three

TheStar.com - 16 arrested for assault now down to three: An alleged sexual harassment scandal in which 16 teens were charged after police descended on a Toronto high school was pared down Wednesday to only three students facing possible criminal trial.

'Don't call the cops'

TorontoSun.com - Toronto And GTA - 'Don't call the cops': "'Don't call the cops'Coke-using officer on job, witness hides
By ALAN CAIRNS, TORONTO SUN

Drug squad cop Rob Kelly, who pleaded guilty to possessing cocaine, is still working as a police officer. - A man who told Toronto Police that one drug cop gave him cocaine and alleged four others did the drug with him now wishes he had never complained. "

Minimum sentences are not the answer

Minimum sentences are not the answer: - Montreal Gazette

Tories crack down on crime but where will they find the jails?

Tories crack down on crime but where will they find the jails?: "Tories crack down on crime but where will they find the jails? - Is Canada about to create a for-profit private prison
industry with little interest in inmate rehabilitation?"

Extreme law always results in extreme injustice

Extreme law always results in extreme injustice: Proposal for mandatory minimum sentencing.

TheStar.com - Cecilia's killer to learn fate Friday

TheStar.com - Cecilia's killer to learn fate Friday: "Cecilia's killer to learn fate Friday - Cecilia died during abduction - Crown says it does not 'fully accept' Chen's story
BOB MITCHELL AND JIM WILKES
STAFF REPORTERS


BRAMPTON - Chinese visa student Min Chen today admitted in court that he abducted and murdered 9-year-old Cecilia Zhang.

With defence lawyer John Rosen standing by his side, the 23-year-old pleaded guilty to second-degree murder in the Oct. 20, 2003 slaying of the Toronto schoolgirl." ...

Defence is crucial against mistaken identifications - Preventing Wrongful Convictions

Law Times: Defence is crucial against mistaken identifications - A Criminal Mind by Rosalind Conway

This is a well written article on the frailties of identification evidence, as well as the importance of diligent and competent defence counsel in ensuring that wrongful convictions are minimized.

No notice needed to take DNA samples

Law Times: Supreme Court Rules no notice needed to take DNA samples

Terror groups in league with gangs: top cop

CANOE -- CNEWS - Law: Terror groups in league with gangs: top cop: "OTTAWA � Canada's top cop says terrorist groups are joining forces with street gangs to raise cash for illicit activities. "

Inside the Don Jail

TorontoSun.com - Toronto And GTA - Inside the Don - Behind the old jail's grandeur are inescapable memories of captivity and execution

Cops probe theft of patients' funds

TorontoSun.com - Toronto And GTA - Cops probe theft of patients' funds - Hundreds of thousands of dollars feared missing at Centre for Addiction-Mental Health

Cautionary tale outlines careless life of crime

The ChronicleHerald.ca: "Cautionary tale outlines careless life of crime Drug smuggler loved his job until he got caught"

Proud potheads take Queen's Park

TheStar.com - Proud potheads take Queen's Park - Thousands of potheads marched to Queen's Park yesterday chanting, "We love weed," part of a worldwide celebration of "cannabis culture."

'Whistleblower' praised - Lawyers back cop's allegations of coverups

TorontoSun.com - Toronto And GTA - 'Whistleblower' praised: A Toronto Police "whistleblower" who alleges that "numerous" incidents of police wrongdoing have been swept under the carpet is being hailed a hero by local lawyers.

""He's like Toronto's Serpico," said Edward Sapiano, comparing Cassells' actions to those of Frank Serpico, the detective who exposed New York police corruption in the 1970s."

Teen charged, sex assault claim was untrue

durham region news: ajax, pickering, whitby, oshawa, scugog, uxbridge and clarington newspapers: "WHITBY -- Police have charged a Whitby girl with mischief after determining her report of a violent sexual assault was false."

Ad scandal exec sent to jail

CANOE -- CNEWS - Law: Ad scandal exec sent to jail: "MONTREAL (CP) - Ad man Jean Brault got 30 months in prison after a judge condemned him Friday as one of the greedy masterminds who became rich off sponsorship fraud"

CANOE -- CNEWS - Law: Teens charged with murder of Windsor cop

CANOE -- CNEWS - Law: Teens charged with murder of Windsor cop: "WINDSOR, Ont. (CP) - Two teenagers have been charged in the first-ever slaying of a member of the Windsor police force. "

Toronto Police Service :: To Serve and Protect

Toronto Police Service :: To Serve and Protect: "Homicide #19/2006, Haider Mahdi, 18 - Homicide Squad - 416-808-7400

On Saturday, April 29, 2006, at approximately 2:05 a.m., police were called to an area between 31 and 35 St. Dennis Drive for a shooting. The victim has been identified as Haider Mahdi, 18, of Mississauga. A post-mortem examination was conducted on Haider Mahdi on Sunday, April 30, 2006. The cause of death was a single gunshot wound to the abdomen.

CANOE -- CNEWS - Law: SCOC: Hosts not liable for guests driving drunk

CANOE -- CNEWS - Law: SCOC: Hosts not liable for guests driving drunk OTTAWA (CP) - Hosts of private house parties are not responsible for the actions of their drunken guests once they leave the premises, the Supreme Court of Canada ruled Friday

TorontoSun.com - Toronto And GTA - T.O. cop blasts force

TorontoSun.com - Toronto And GTA - T.O. cop blasts force: "By ALAN CAIRNS, TORONTO SUN - Sgt. Jim Cassells says he is speaking out against alleged corruption in the Toronto police force because he wants to uphold core values of honesty and integrity."

New Canadian Anti-Counterfeiting Network will help stop Canada's growing trade in counterfeit goods

CNW Group: "TORONTO, May 3 /CNW/ - CSA International, in cooperation with the International Anti-Counterfeiting Coalition (IACC) and other anti- counterfeiting experts, today officially launched the Canadian Anti- Counterfeiting Network (CACN), a new coalition that focuses on the prevention and elimination of counterfeit and pirated goods in Canada."

81 Reasons to Oppose the New Youth Super Jail! | NEFAC

81 Reasons to Oppose the New Youth Super Jail! NEFAC: "by Marika, Prisoner's Justice Action Committee

The new Super Jail for Youth in Brampton � the Greater Toronto Youth Centre - will cost Ontario taxpayers 81.1 Million dollars to build, and we can easily think of 81 reasons why we don't need this super- jail, and 81 ways that this funding could be used to help make communities genuinely
safer and healthier."

CANOE -- CNEWS - Law: Officer charged for chat to media

CANOE -- CNEWS - Law: Officer charged for chat to media: "A Toronto cop who played a key role in Canada's biggest police corruption probe has been charged with misconduct for talking to the media. "

CANOE -- CNEWS - Law: Ottawa's proposed crackdown on conditional sentences could hit Nunavut hard

CANOE -- CNEWS - Law: Ottawa's proposed crackdown on conditional sentences could hit Nunavut hard: "IQALUIT, Nunavut (CP) - Ottawa's proposed crackdown on conditional sentences could present a major challenge for Nunavut where house arrest for Inuit offenders is often seen as restorative justice rather than lenient punishment"

TheStar.com - Justice for diligent Toronto lawyer

TheStar.com - Justice for diligent Toronto lawyer: "Becomes second person to receive legal aid award. DEBRA BLACK
STAFF REPORTER: Paul Copeland is passionate about three things: the law, the movement to restore democracy to Burma and motorcycles"

TheStar.com - Politician denies fraud claims

TheStar.com - Politician denies fraud claims: "Brenner won't step down while fighting in court veteran councillor facing charges linked to expenses"

CANOE -- CNEWS - Law: Tories table crime legislation

CANOE -- CNEWS - Law: Tories table crime legislation: "OTTAWA (CP) - The Conservative government tabled controversial crime legislation in the House of Commons on Thursday. "

CANOE -- CNEWS - Law: Suspect named in cabbie's murder

CANOE -- CNEWS - Law: Suspect named in cabbie's murder: "Toronto homicide detectives issued a second-degree murder warrant for a drifter today as grieving family members continue to arrive from around the world to mourn murdered cab driver Mahmoud Bhatti. "

CANOE -- CNEWS - Law: Pickton's jury trial could last two years: defence

CANOE -- CNEWS - Law: Pickton's jury trial could last two years: defence: "NEW WESTMINSTER, B.C. (CP) - The lead lawyer for the man accused of being Canada's worst serial killer says a jury trial for Robert Pickton could go on for almost two years and testimony may not begin this fall as planned. "

Toronto Police Service :: To Serve and Protect

Toronto Police Service :: To Serve and Protect: "TPS welcomes 141 new police officers, Thursday May 4, 2006, 11:45 a.m., Nathan Phillips Square, 100 Queen Street West"

U.S. district attorney has advice for Canada: don't emulate U.S. drug laws

U.S. district attorney has advice for Canada: don't emulate U.S. drug laws: "VANCOUVER -- Governments in Canada should steer completely clear from adopting or emulating any current drug policies in the United States, an outspoken New York state prosecutor said Tuesday. "

TheStar.com - Cabs hit by mini-crime wave

TheStar.com - Cabs hit by mini-crime wave: "One taxi-cab driver is fighting for his life while two others are recovering from injuries after three serious robberies targeting cabbies overnight."

CANOE -- CNEWS - Law: Another alleged TTC sex assault

CANOE -- CNEWS - Law: Another alleged TTC sex assault: For the third time in less than four months, a Wheel-Trans driver has been charged with sexual assault on a physically disabled passenger.

Law Times - Disclosure beyond CFS report can boost defence

Law Times: "More is better with DNA evidence - Written by Kirsten McMahon - When dealing with a criminal case involving DNA evidence, getting disclosure beyond the Centre of Forensic Science's report is a crucial start to an effective courtroom strategy. "

CANOE -- CNEWS - Law: Tears and bullets

CANOE -- CNEWS - Law: Tears and bullets: "Pedestrians run for cover as gunman opens fire during memorial for murder victim "

TheStar.com - Start of Zhang trial delayed

TheStar.com - Start of Zhang trial delayed: "The long-awaited murder trial of a Chinese visa student accused of killing nine-year-old Cecilia Zhang was suddenly adjourned today."