EDITORIAL: Focus on the real problems of the court system

As a sentencing hearing continues for the first convicted rioter, the B.C. government has backed away from its plan to seek video coverage of prosecutions from last year’s Stanley Cup riot.

Vancouver Police and Crown counsel had been under a lot pressure to charge rioters from the June 15 downtown debacle. It took until Oct. 31 before the first charges were recommended. Forty-seven people have so far been charged with riot-related charges and Vancouver Police have requested charges against nearly 80 more.

The Liberal government has presided over the closure of court houses and a shortage of judges and sheriffs over the past decade. This has lead to a situation where trials are delayed and some accused crooks have had their cases thrown out of court due to excessive delays.

With that background in mind, the public has to be worried whether the justice system can handle all the riot cases.

And the provincial government made things worse by wanting to televise riot trials.

Opposed by Crown, but insisted upon by the Liberals, the Riot TV push was just a time-wasting exercise. Who knows. Since our premier is notorious for her photo-ops, maybe she intended to dress up as Judge Judy?

Judge Malcolm MacLean, who is presiding over the trial of rioter Ryan Dickinson, shot down attempts to televise the sentencing hearing of that case.

“There was no information on this hearing as to the impact of broadcasting by webcast in the widest manner possible on trial fairness or the effect it may have on witnesses,” MacLean stated in his decision.

“There remained many outstanding questions regarding the technology to be used and its implications for preserving the decorum and dignity of the court.”

Video images could be downloaded and then manipulated or altered, MacLean said, and transmitted anywhere in the world.

At least the government got the message. Justice Minister Bond issued a statement announcing that Premier Christy Clark’s intention to seek televised justice for rioters is rescinded because of the prospect of further delays.

It’s time the provincial government focussed on eliminating delays in the system rather than contributing to them.