Crown wants criminal conviction for PC ex-education Minister John Snobelen

[sorrywrongemail]

http://www.thestar.com/News/GTA/article/351046

Crown wants criminal conviction for Snobelen

But ex-education minister caught with gun shouldn't have to pay for increase in gun crimes, his lawyer says
Mar 26, 2008 01:17 PM
Bob Mitchell
Staff Reporter

Former education minister John Snobelen shouldn't have to pay for the increase in gun crimes across Greater Toronto, his lawyer said today.

But prosecutor Tony MacKinnon said the daily "rolling headlines" involving gun violence is exacty why the former Cabinet minister must to be convicted of a criminal offence.

Snobelen, 51, pleaded guilty last year to careless storage of a firearm and possession of a restricted weapon. He was found not guilty of unauthorized possession of firearm.

The charges could have resulted in jail time, court heard today, but neither side is asking for any period of incarceration.




I'd never heard of this story before. A little bizarre!

[daleo]

1. Strange indeed

He claims he brought the pistol to Canada by accident, then forgot to dispose of it. His estranged wife informed the police of its whereabouts.

He wants an absolute discharge, rather than having to pay a fine and having a record. That's reaching, but generally Conservatives don't like their mantras of "no means no" and "zero tolerance" to apply to them.

Here's Mr. Snobelen insisting that other gun offenders must face tough penalties:

December 19, 1997

Harris Government Passes Fish and Wildlife Conservation Act
Natural Resources Minister John Snobelen today announced that the Harris government has met its commitment and has passed the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Act.
...
"This new Act will show poachers that Ontario will not tolerate abuses to our fish and wildlife resources," said Mr. Snobelen. "When the Act is law, offenders will face the toughest penalties in Ontario's history."

Convictions for commercial offences will be subject to fines of up to $100,000. Jail terms have also been added as a potential penalty for offences under the Act.
...
"Tougher laws and enforcement will ensure our resources are sustained for the long term," Mr. Snobelen said.

http://www.mnr.gov.on.ca/mnr/csb/news/dec19nr97.html