CHARTER RIGHTS AID DRUG DEALER

REGINA - Charges have been dropped against a French-speaking man who was
convicted of dealing drugs last March in an English-only trial.

Real Joseph Emile Brochu, 56, was released from jail after another judge
agreed the man had waited too long for a trial in French.

"The Charter ( of Rights and Freedoms) guarantees a trial within a
reasonable period," said Brochu's lawyer.

There were 33 months and six days between his arrest and his scheduled
French trial last Tuesday.

At his English trial, the Kendal, Sask., man was convicted of possession of
Talwin and Ritalin for the purpose of trafficking and sentenced to 16
months in jail.

Taken together, the two prescription drugs provide a heroin-like high.

Brochu appealed and on Sept. 7, the Saskatchewan Court of Appeal ruled he
was entitled to a French trial, quashed his conviction and ordered a new
trial in his native tongue.