INMATE WANTS OTTAWA TO PAY UP

Seeks cash after RCMP destroyed equipment

Western Canada's self-proclaimed greatest marijuana producer is demanding
the federal government cut him a cheque after RCMP destroyed equipment
allegedly used in his drug operation.

Ronald Hickey, 48, claims the Mounties had no legal authority to dispose of
weigh scales, videotapes, magazines and pictures seized from his Winnipeg
home and health food store several years ago.

Hickey -- who made national headlines earlier this year after being accused
of smuggling lobster into prison -- argued his motion in court yesterday.

"Mr. Hickey, do pigs fly?" an exasperated Queen's Bench Justice Albert
Clearwater asked him at one point.

"Do you remember what business you were in?"

Crown attorney Erin Magas argued the items were legitimately destroyed after
Hickey was convicted of running a massive pot growing operation in 2000. He
is currently serving an eight-year prison term. "The items that were
destroyed were tainted by criminality," said Magas.

The Crown said Hickey's motion is a poorly disguised attempt to get his
hands on the ingredients for producing marijuana.

But Hickey claims there was no evidence any of the property was directly
involved in his drug operation, which he openly boasted about while
representing himself during a memorable three-month jury trial.

Hickey was accused of faking a heart attack during the trial to delay
proceedings, called a convicted axe murderer as a "character" witness, and
threatened to subpoena Pierre Trudeau to testify in court.

Hickey claims the destroyed items were connected to his health food business
and says the government should pay for the damage they've caused.

Clearwater said he may have a point, noting the items were destroyed after
he had filed his motion seeking their return. "But what can I do? I can't
recreate destroyed books and destroyed videotapes. Let's be sensible here,"
said the judge.

Hickey claims the total cost of replacing the items is approximately $1,600.
Clearwater has adjourned the case until the new year, so Hickey can provide
a detailed accounting of the costs.Hickey was recently denied early parole
after a high-profile transfer from Rockwood jail to Stony Mountain
penitentiary.

Jail officials accused Hickey of smuggling lobster, drugs and alcohol into
the prison and of holding wild parties on weekends with fellow inmates.
Hickey denied the allegations.

Hickey fought his transfer to Stony through a court challenge, but lost
earlier this fall. He was then denied early parole, and is now not eligible
for release until late next year.