POT CASE HAS ISOLATED EX-COP, LAWYER SAYS

Former RCMP officer Danny Ryan claims he was unnecessarily forced to the
ground and had a firearm pointed at his face when he was arrested in front
of a Halifax hotel more than two years ago.

The "excessive use of force" occurred because he was a police officer, Mr.
Ryan's lawyer told the Nova Scotia Supreme Court at a stay-of-proceedings
hearing Tuesday. The "excessive use of force" occurred because he was a
police officer, Mr. Ryan's lawyer told the Nova Scotia Supreme Court at a
stay-of-proceedings hearing Tuesday.

Michael Taylor said his client's efforts to get his life back in order as
the case slogged through the judicial system were stymied by his background
in law enforcement and publicity about the case.

"With this case hanging over his head his options were limited."

Justice Walter Goodfellow was told Mr. Ryan has suffered isolation from his
peers, severe depression and humiliation since he was charged by fellow
Mounties with trafficking marijuana and breach of trust.

The arrest was made Jan. 13, 2002 outside the Cambridge Suites Hotel in
downtown Halifax.

"All of this despite the fact nothing has been proven against him in a court
of law," Mr. Taylor said.

It is because of these difficulties and the length of time it is taking to
get the case to trial that Mr. Ryan, 33, wants Justice Goodfellow to stay
the charges. The judge hopes to have a decision in a week.

Federal prosecutor David Bright told reporters there would be no special
treatment in court for Mr. Ryan. "Under no circumstances would I treat him
any differently than anybody else."

Earlier, Mr. Bright told the judge that Mr. Ryan, who was with the Tantallon
RCMP street team at the time of his arrest, could expect some delays and
problems because of his position but should expect the trial to proceed.

"The accused is an experienced police officer, familiar with the workings of
the justice system," said the prosecutor.

He said Mr. Ryan should have sought new court dates if the proceedings were
causing extreme emotional and economic duress as suggested.

"It is not acceptable to sit back and let the clock tick until the so-called
witching hour," said Mr. Bright.

Without a stay of proceedings, trial is set for June 14-18.

Prior to his arrest Mr. Ryan was to be transferred to Ottawa to join the
prime minister's security detail.

In an affidavit filed with the court, Mr. Ryan, who know lives inAylmer,
Que., argues the proceedings should be stayed because he has suffered
excessively since his arrest, as he was a Mountie at the time.

"One of the arresting officers had his firearm pointed at my face with his
finger on the trigger," he states. "From my own training, I know this was
an excessive use of force."