STIFF JAIL TERM SOUGHT FOR FATHER WHO KILLED DAUGHTER'S DRUG DEALER

Prosecutors are calling for a lengthy prison term for a Saskatchewan
father who shot to death his teenage daughter's drug-dealing
boyfriend, while Kim Walker's lawyer says he should not spend another
day behind bars.

Court of Queen's Bench Justice Ellen Gunn Gunn heard sentencing
submissions Friday in the case -a day after Walker was convicted of
manslaughter. Gunn is expected to sentence him July 13.

Walker was on trial for seconddegree murder in the March 17, 2003,
shooting death of 24-yearold James Hayward.

Armed with a semi-automatic pistol, Walker went to Hayward's home
here to retrieve his 16-year-old daughter Jadah, then a morphine
addict living with Hayward. Walker believed Hayward was supplying her
with drugs.

He fired 10 shots, hitting Hayward five times.

Walker told the jury he doesn't remember the shooting but believes he
acted in self-defence, firing on an unarmed Hayward when he raised his arm.

The jury's verdict sparked debates on radio talk shows and online
Friday, with many observers saying Walker was justified in shooting
the man who supplied drugs to his daughter.

Prosecutor Robin Ritter said he finds that talk troubling, noting
everyone is entitled to the protection of the law.

"For people to say that Mr. Hayward, because he might have been a bad
person, is not entitled to the full protection of the law, scares
me," Ritter said outside court.

He called for an 11-year prison term, less the time Walker has
already served, bringing it to about 7 1/2 years. Because a gun was
involved, the law mandates at least a four-year prison term.

Speaking to reporters, Jadah called the sentence sought by the
prosecution "a joke."

Defence lawyer Balfour Der, who had hoped the jury would acquit
Walker, contended he has already served sufficient time. Previously
convicted of seconddegree murder before he won an appeal and a new
trial, Walker has served about 3 1/2 years.