JUDGE RECOMMENDS ANTI-DRUG 'POSTER BOY' VISIT SCHOOLS

COBOURG - The 'poster boy' for anti-drug use, according to the crown
attorney, was in Cobourg's Ontario Court of Justice last week to be
sentenced on more drug charges.

Federal Crown Marc Bebee said in 2002, the accused had a stroke
following three days of alcohol, cocaine and PCP use, and has been in
a wheelchair ever since. Last year, police suspected he was selling
drugs to high school students from his Victoria Street, Port Hope, home.

Following a search, the accused was charged on March 8, 2006, with
possession for the purpose of trafficking and unauthorized possession
of restricted weapons (37 collector edition butterfly knives). Police
also found $1,400 cash and 234 grams of marijuana.

"Obviously he hasn't got the message," said the crown, who asked for
a weekend jail sentence for the accused or a conditional sentence of
six months, with forfeiture of the weapons, counselling for substance
abuse and non-association with anyone who has a criminal record.

Defense Counsel Nathan Gotlieb said the cash was from a disability
cheque and funds the accused had received for his birthday. He
submitted a letter to the court from the accused's doctor, and said
his client had had a dramatic personality change since his stroke and
now wanted to complete his education.

Mr. Gotlieb said the accused was on Tylenol 3 and anti-seizure
medication, and did not use marijuana any more. About the possession
charge, he said, "It was not a sophisticated operation - just to
finance his own use."

"Forgive us for not being highly-suspicious given the quantity and
the number of kids (visiting the home)," said Justice Robert Graydon.
"Were it not for your medical condition, you would be going to the
Central East Correctional Centre today."

Given the fact the accused is confined to wheelchair and is cared for
by his mother, Justice Graydon imposed a six-month conditional
sentence, followed by probation for one year. The judge added the
other conditions as recommended by the crown, as well as orders not
to allow any high school students in his residence without the
approval of his probation officer, to abstain from the use of
non-prescribed drugs and take rehabilitation programs as recommended.

"Any breaches and you will likely go to jail," Justice Graydon said
to Shawn Greacen, 22.

The judge also told the accused that part of his conditional sentence
would also be to visit area schools to talk about the dangers of drug
use to students.

"I would be impressed if you would attend classes of young
impressionable students and tell them about how you came to be in that chair.

"This is your opportunity to put something back," said Justice
Graydon, adding if the accused turned one person away from using
drugs, "you should feel pretty good about yourself."