I would like to respond to the column by freelancer Bill Greenwood in Wednesday, Oct. 13, Advocate and to add a few thoughts as well. The article in question was Justice system failed Brian Knight and us.
I was asked by a few friends from the Nebraska District north of Tees to comment as well.
The reason was to show appreciation for Greenwood’s honest and appropriate article concerning the judgment handed down in the sentencing portion of the trial of Brian Knight; a trial that would have never taken place if it was not for the honesty and, I suggest, culpability of Brian and his friends.
The Knights alerting of a criminal in their district brought together friends to secure their own properties but also to be alert at their own farmsteads.
Police would have not done this. Just shown up sometime.
Greenwood also did a marvelous job of distinguishing the differing of law and justice. Justice was not done here. It seemed more of a case of hold a weapon and you are guilty of a crime against society. Give that one a thought: Brian was the good guy and he suffers the most. As does his family. As do all who treasure their small family and their inclusion in our lives.
One other item I just must include. Before the trial took place in a courtroom in Red Deer, we were accorded the presence of two Sheriff deputies designated to our courtroom. Since I have not attended many trials, I believed this was a normal situation.
But I was completely taken off guard by being told by the lawyer for the accused to keep our mouths shut and our thoughts concealed and not to react emotionally by any happenings in the court.
Oh!
And respect the judiciary like the judge after her determination. Like — Mr. Big City Lawyer — are we hayseeds here with no knowledge of crime, the law and justice?
We are not some kind of redneck vigilante — unknowledgeable citizens of our country. We are law-abiding people who, at least up to now, have trusted the law to treat us as citizens. Equal to city folks.
And the judge started her own presentation by telling us who were obviously Knight friends and relatives that we were going to be shocked and disappointed during her sentencing of the accused, our friend. Hence, she had already reached a verdict. Additional issues from the presentation of the prosecutor and the defence gave her cause to revue her judgment. You could even see then that her mind was set to give a wholesome citizen a jail sentence strictly because it did not suit her idea of justice.
I can only add that if a review of this trial and the sentencing is not undertaken, another crime has been committed against this man, his family, his extended family and his neighbours.
Leo Belanger
Ponoka