PRIVATE PROSECUTION MAY HELP OUT PRINCE OF POT

A judge has reserved his decision on a Nelson, B.C., man's attempts
to keep the federal attorney general out of a private prosecution of
British Columbia's so-called Prince of Pot.

Paddy Roberts has charged Marc Emery and two others with conspiracy
to distribute marijuana seeds, conspiracy to distribute marijuana and
conspiracy to engage in money laundering.

They're the same charges the United States wants to prosecute Emery
for, but if Emery is charged here, he can't be extradited to face the
same crimes across the border.

The Attorney General of Canada has petitioned the court to stop the
private prosecution.

A hearing was held Monday in Nelson, but Justice Robert Crawford
reserved his decision.

Roberts' lawyer Don Skogstad said in an interview the Crown has
stated by letter that it will stay the charges if it is allowed to
take part in Roberts' case.

That would clear the way for Emery's extradition.

If the attorney general is barred from the case, Skogstad said
there's still a chance the provincial attorney general could get
involved, although the B.C. Crown has waived any interest in the case.