BRIERE CHANGES MIND ON JAIL TIME

Last week Donald Briere hoped to spend four years in the provincial
legislature. Now he's hoping to avoid spending that length of time in a
federal penitentiary.

The Marijuana Party candidate for Surrey-Tynehead appeared in Surrey
Provincial Court Wednesday for sentencing. Briere pleaded guilty on Dec. 4
last year to four criminal offenses connected to the operation of several
marijuana grow operations, and two weapons-related offenses.

Until last week, federal Crown counsel and Briere's lawyer agreed to a
four-year jail term.

However, by the end of the week, Briere thought his future would be better
determined by a judge.

"I'm in an awkward situation," Briere's lawyer Ron Coumont told Judge
Gurmail Gill. "As of Friday last, my instructions have changed."

Briere hasn't changed his plea, Coumont assured the judge, but no longer
agreed to the joint submission from Crown and defense.

Briere told The Leader Thursday his change of heart had more to do with
principles than the fear of doing hard time.

Briere said that with a four-year sentence, he could be at a half-way house
in eight months.

He concedes that he's risking a much stiffer sentence by opting out the
agreement.

"It is kind of the principle of the thing," Briere said, noting that
federal politicians are currently examining the possibility of
decriminalizing marijuana.

Briere, along with his political party, doesn't believe growing or smoking
pot should be a crime.

His sentencing has been re-scheduled for June 1.