WISE JUSTICES SAW THROUGH ADDICT'S CHARADE

Re: Appeal court picks punishment over rehabilitation, Ian Mulgrew, March 12

As a regular reader of Ian Mulgrew's column, I read his words in
regards to David Gerald Powis with great dismay.

Mulgrew condemns the three B.C. Court of Appeal justices for
rendering "a decision that would make Charles Dickens wince." I
disagree because he also says that "Powis was busted in California in
1996 and the prospect of U.S. jail time prodded him to return to
Canada." Clearly, the justices saw through Powis's charade and dealt
with him in an appropriate manner. Powis has shown a clear disregard
for the community around him and that he is capable of making
decisions that work in his favour.

I can only sympathize with the people whose homes he broke into,
leaving a blood-soaked scene behind. I can only imagine how
disturbing this would be, especially if children lived in the house.
Imagine trying to tuck your kids into bed after that.

Mulgrew says considerable expense has been incurred for lawyers,
police officers, technicians and judges to process Powis through the
legal system, but very little effort has been made to address his
addiction. Perhaps if Powis is in jail, he does not have to worry
about missing probation appointments. Therefore, he will have lots of
time to get the help that he needs, and give the citizens of New
Westminster a break.

Good for the the wise oversight of these three appeal court judges.

Gurpreet Sangha

Surrey