ANGRY JUDGE ISSUES ARREST WARRANT FOR INMATE ALREADY IN
JAIL

AN angry provincial court judge issued an arrest warrant yesterday
for an inmate who refused to appear for a preliminary hearing -- even
though he's already in jail.

Judge Glenn Joyal said it was unacceptable for Roland Charles
Sutherland, 35, to refuse to attend the hearing on drug charges.

Joyal said he was puzzled by Sutherland's non-appearance --
especially because Sutherland is already serving time at the
Headingley Correctional Centre.

Defence lawyer Saheel Zaman said he could offer no explanation to the
court for Sutherland's absence, other than that the man simply
refused to allow himself to be transported to the Law Courts building.

Sutherland faces charges including possession of a controlled
substance and trafficking.

Joyal said that when accused people fail to appear for a trial or
hearing, it inconveniences witnesses who had to arrange their
schedules to testify. "It's just unacceptable," Joyal said of
Sutherland's actions.

Joyal said he expected Sutherland would be immediately arrested,
removed from Headingley and taken to the Remand Centre, where he will
remain until bail is determined.

Joyal said he would ask officials at Headingley Correctional Centre
to explain why they were unable to have Sutherland ready when
sheriff's officers went to pick him up early Friday morning.