POT ACTIVIST FINED $1,000

OTTAWA - Three years ago, John Turmel dared the Crown to prosecute
him for carrying three kilograms of marijuana to Parliament Hill and
lighting a joint in protest of what he said were unjust
prosecutions.

That prosecution came to an end Wednesday with Turmel being sentenced
to three years of probation and fined $1,000 for possession for the
purpose of trafficking.

Turmel -- the Guinness record holder for most elections contested and
lost, 60 -- was also ordered to perform 100 hours of community service
by Justice Paul Belanger.

On May 14, 2003, Turmel faxed a manifesto to a variety of Crown
attorneys declaring his intention to bring a bag full of pot to
Parliament Hill and share it with various politicians.

RCMP officers were waiting for him when he arrived.

Turmel said Wednesday he was trying to expose the fact that people
were being convicted for possession of drugs when the law governing
possession had been declared of no force and effect by an Ontario
Superior Court judge.

In a written decision issued March 10, Belanger ruled the decision did
not extend to possession for the purpose of trafficking.