JUDGE BRUSHES OFF BIKER'S CLAIMS OF MODEST INCOME

Crown Seeks To Confiscate Property. 'Abundance Of Evidence' That Drug
Dealer Had Plenty Of Money, Paul Tells Defence

Defence lawyers will make their case today as they try to stop the
provincial government from confiscating Hells Angel Normand
Robitaille's property and vehicles.

Quebec says Robitaille acquired the property with drug money.

But yesterday Justice Rejean Paul indicated his mind is already made
up about confiscation of four buildings and a Harley-Davidson motorcycle.

As the hearing dragged into the middle of its third day the Superior
Court judge appeared to lose his patience with what he considered
redundant questions from Robitaille's lawyer, Leo Rene Maranda.

Robitaille, 35, is one of several members of the Hells Angels elite
Nomad chapter who are serving sentences of 20 years or more for
conspiring to murder rival gang members, drug trafficking and
gangsterism.

Police videotaped Robitaille driving around in vehicles like a
Corvette and a Jeep Cherokee. When the police searched one of
Robitaille's residences, a luxury home in Candiac, they found $200,000
hidden in a wine cellar.

But while cross examining forensic accountant Andree Matteau
yesterday, Maranda persisted in asking questions concerning
Robitaille's bank account and his declared income between 1995 and
1999, which totalled $185,000. Most of that revenue came from
Robitaille's management company Cogesma.

"Are we going to go over his declared income again?" Paul asked at one
point during the cross examination.

"Your client pleaded guilty and there was an abundance of evidence.
There was $200,000 at his residence."

Maranda protested, saying there are documents that show Robitaille's
company Cogesma was a legitimate business.

"Oh, come on," the judge retorted. "The court can see very well what
the story is.

"Be assured that the court looks at his declared income with a lot of
skepticism.

"He pleaded guilty and got 20 years. He didn't plead guilty to
stealing a television."

The defence begins presenting its case today.