LAWYER STRETCHES, JUDGE SNAPS BACK

A Winnipeg marijuana activist facing time in jail for a trafficking offence
was compared to Martin Luther King and Nelson Mandela in court yesterday.
"Oh, come on," said Queen's Bench Justice Alan MacInnes, after defence
lawyer Bonnie MacDonald compared Chris Buors' plight to those of the
celebrated revolutionaries.

Buors was in court to be sentenced after pleading guilty to possession of
marijuana for the purpose of trafficking.

He was arrested Aug. 29, 2002, for running a 59-plant grow operation
discovered after police were called to the house for a break-in.

The Crown asked for a year in jail and a fine.

MacDonald wants MacInnes to give Buors a conditional sentence because he was
growing the drugs for people suffering from serious illnesses.

"I'm only asking to be punished as my peers are from one side of this nation
to the other," Buors said.

In 1998, Buors was given a 23-month conditional sentence and probation after
pleading guilty to the same offence.

"When does he become accountable, like the other citizens?" MacInnes said.

The judge reserved his decision until next month.