GUILTY Canada - Marie-France Comeau, 37, & Jessica Lloyd, 27, slain, Ont, 2009 & 2010 - #4

http://www.cbc.ca/canada/story/2010/10/14/colonel-russell-williams-media-hearing.html

Among the evidence is a lengthy statement a co-operative Williams made to police on the day of his arrest, as well as boxes of items seized during raids the same day at Williams's two homes in Ottawa and Tweed. Those boxes contain reams of photographs and articles of women's clothing along with meticulous notes Williams kept about break-ins and thefts in both communities.

And LE appears to not have a stitch of evidence other than what RW handed over. Not even a mention of DNA.

RW is in control. (JMO)

nobodyzgirl said:

The motions being heard today are from lawyers representing the media and have absolutely nothing to do with any agreement reached on behalf of the defendant.

Today, Judge Robert Scott will be hearing motions from lawyers representing media agencies and is expected to decide how much can be reported and whether journalists will be allowed to bring electronic devices such as smartphones and laptops into the courtroom to file stories and updates.

http://ottawa.ctv.ca/servlet/an/loc...illiams-court-101014/20101014/?hub=OttawaHome

The publication ban is to protect the victims (i.e., not publishing the name of one of the women that were sexually assaulted - the other has waived her right to have her name withheld). The ban is not to protect RW at all - he will get enough protection once he is in segregation in the Kinsgton pen (if they decide to send him there and not somewhere else in Canada).

There will not be a "deal with the devil" as RW is the only one charged with the crimes, and there will not be a trial (just a plea and then a sentence), where anyone has to testify against him (which was the reason for that deal, a reduced sentence in exchange for testifying at the trial of the co-accused).

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It is the reporting that is precisely the issue. I have concerns about justice not being seen to be done. Not saying that I want the victims whose cases are currently before the courts to suffer. Just saying that "deciding how much can be reported" covers a lot of ground.

The stickling point of the "deal with the devil" was in those videos, the existence of which was not revealed to investigators and crown prosecutors until after the deal was struck. Information was brought forward after the deal which could have meant the deal would not have happened. There is some debate to this day about the handling of that situation.

Williams makes unexpected court appearance- UPDATE



A shackled and heavily guarded Col. Russell Williams sat quietly in Belleville's Ontario Superior Courtroom this morning as lawyers and Judge Robert Scott debate procedural issues behind closed doors.

Williams, who arrived unexpectedly at the courthouse around 8:15 a.m..

He was led into the courtroom at about 9:45 a.m. where he sat quietly staring at the floor.

Williams was finally led out of the courtroom and back to the holding area after about an hour. The behind-closed-doors discussions apparently involve negotiations regarding what evidence will and will not be presented in the courtroom next week.

http://www.intelligencer.ca/ArticleDisplay.aspx?e=2799933

BBM: Why was RW's appearance unexpected? Did he request to be there? They are "negotiating" which evidence will and will not be presented? HUH????

What do you think was going through his head, while he sat there and waited? I wonder if he was feeling pleased at all the attention? Or worried about what was happening? Or what? KWIM?

Salem

BlackBerry ban at Col. Williams hearing lifted

Journalists will be able to use laptops, BlackBerrys and cellphones in the courtroom next week during the sentencing hearing of admitted murderer and sexual stalker Col. Russell Williams.

Read more: http://www.cbc.ca/canada/story/2010/10/14/colonel-russell-williams-media-hearing.html#ixzz12MCwRXTK

Wondergirl said:

They are "negotiating" which evidence will and will not be presented? HUH????

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The answer to this question is in your previous post:

Crown, defence and media lawyers were meeting behind closed doors to discuss what should remain sealed for the protection of victims and what can be released to the public before the court went into recess.

It would seem that the assault victims and the families of JL and MFL would want photos and videos of the crimes kept private. This would be opposed by the media, with the decision left up to the judge.

JMO

EDIT: All evidence would have been, by law, already seen by the defence, the prosecution, and the judge. Unless I'm mistaken, this is about the media and the public.

antiquegirl said:

The answer to this question is in your previous post:

Crown, defence and media lawyers were meeting behind closed doors to discuss what should remain sealed for the protection of victims and what can be released to the public before the court went into recess.

It would seem that the assault victims and the families of JL and MFL would want photos and videos of the crimes kept private. This would be opposed by the media, with the decision left up to the judge.

JMO

EDIT: All evidence would have been, by law, already seen by the defence, the prosecution, and the judge. Unless I'm mistaken, this is about the media and the public.

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AG, you are not mistaken. These motions were brought before the court (by media outlets) because they were told last week they were not allowed to bring in any type of electronic equipment. Though it looks like the accredited media outlets will now be allowed to tweet during the sentencing. It will be interesting to see what happens at sentencing on the 18th. I hope he gets the maximum sentence allowed.

Blackberry Ban at Col Williams Hearing Lifted

Judge permits live text reports from Russell Williams Sentencing

The order lifting the media electronics ban came after an application by the Ottawa Citizen. The Canadian Broadcasting Corporation was also seeking an order allowing for limited camera access to the colonel’s plea and sentencing hearing, which could last several days.

The CBC intended to record the colonel’s plea and any comments he might make, along with victims and family who had given consent. The crown opposed that application, CBC lawyer Daniel Henry, said outside court.

Henry said the application was made with the intention to respect the interests of the victims and victims’ families.

Also being sought was clarification on access to any exhibits that may be entered.

No order was made on that front but a room has been set aside for viewing of exhibits. No electronic devices are allowed in that room.

It has been reported that Williams took photographs of his victims and made videos at some of the scenes.

http://www.thestar.com/news/article...reports-from-russell-williams-sentencing?bn=1

Former CFB Trenton base commander Col. Russell Williams is escorted out of the courthouse in Belleville by OPP officers, after he appeared in Superior Court Thursday.


JEROME LESSARD/The Intelligencer

After four hours of deliberations, Scott ruled recording devices — including laptops, Blackberries, and handheld audio recorders — can be used for the remainder of Williams' trial.


That trial is expected to be short-lived, as the disgraced former commander of CFB Trenton has told the court through his lawyer he will plead guilty to all counts against him, including two counts of murder, Monday.

Scott met with seven lawyers including those for various media outlets and representatives of victims in Williams' murders and sexual assaults.

"It is important that the press have a position in this matter," said Scott of the intense media coverage in Williams' case, "and the public is in turn served by that position owing to the great amount of interest this matter has generated ..."

Scott stopped short of allowing audio recordings for broadcast purposes, insisting that any audio recording be made for "note-taking purposes only" and said any use of laptops, handheld communications or recording devices must be done an a way that is "inobtrusive" to the court process.

He did not entertain any motions for use of video recording and ruled there will be no recording devices permitted, at all, in what was described as an "exhibit room" that is being established for next week's court sessions.

Sources say the court expects to hear victim impact statements that may take two to three days to have read into the record. It is not known when Williams will be sentenced after next week's guilty pleas.

Williams looked drawn, thin and fatigued as he was led in and out of court for the long hours of delays in determining the motions Thursday.

http://www.intelligencer.ca/ArticleDisplay.aspx?e=2799933

Salem said:

What do you think was going through his head, while he sat there and waited? I wonder if he was feeling pleased at all the attention? Or worried about what was happening? Or what? KWIM?

Salem

Click to expand...

I would never presume to speculate on what goes on in the minds of others, especially one as twisted and perverted as RW's. But he knows what's coming and he certainly hasn't appeared pleased in any of the photos or sketches released by the media. I would guess that he feels either resigned or is already plotting another suicide attempt. Just a guess.

MOO

Judge OK's laptops, live blogging, in Russell Williams Hearings

Killer colonel won't lose his air force pension

By JOE WARMINGTON, Toronto Sun


There won’t be any pensions for brutally slain Cpl. Marie-France Comeau and Jessica Lloyd but the man who confessed to their murders will remain eligible for his fat retirement benefits even after pleading guilty.

Former CFB Trenton commanding officer Col. Russell Williams is scheduled to enter pleas of guilty on two counts of first-degree murder and a string of other serious crimes in a Belleville court Monday.

He is expected to be sentenced to life in prison.

But, the Sun has learned, it won’t affect his estimated $60,000 a year military pension.



“As Col. Williams is being tried in civilian court there will not be a court martial, as you cannot be tried twice for the same offences,” said a statement from the military.

http://www.torontosun.com/news/columnists/joe_warmington/2010/10/14/15695026.html

Why is no military book being thrown at Williams?

“There are certainly things they could charge him with other than the murders,” famed military affairs lawyer and former colonel Michel Drapeau said from his Ottawa office.

“There is nothing preventing them from charging him with disgraceful conduct because I can’t think of anybody who has brought more disgrace or shame to that uniform.”

A court martial is also vital because military members and the public need to know every detail of how this man was promoted through the ranks without any red flags?

Were there ever complaints about him? Any strange “panty raids” on bases he was stationed at? Have investigations into slain women in places he was stationed cleared him? Were blind eyes ever turned because of his rank? Were there any clues?

He was also in charge of Canada’s most important military base. Who knows how many steps away he was from commanding the whole military?

“It’s like they are doing everything to keep as far a distance away from him as possible,” said Drapeau. “It would be nice to know if there was anything they could have done to detect something. Without a court martial they don’t have to face up to those kind of questions.”

The “this is one case in a million” approach doesn’t cut it, said Drapeau.

“There are lessons to be learned,” he said. “It’s like putting a traffic light up after an accident. It may not ever happen there again but it makes people feel safer.”

Meanwhile if they can’t find a way to take away Williams’ pension, perhaps a court martial could demote him and have it paid out at the rate of a private.

Either way Comeau and Lloyd are still going to be in their graves.

http://www.torontosun.com/news/columnists/joe_warmington/2010/10/14/15695026.html

I was about to make a list of all the aspects of this case which seem illogical but soon realized this task to be too monumental.

The CBC Radio News reported that Harper was asked about how he felt about the news that Williams will receive his pension. They cited the public indignation at the news.

I think RW's pension should go directly to compensate his victims, and their loved ones.

Strip pensions from inmates, Harper urges MPs

Last Updated: Friday, October 15, 2010 | 12:31 PM ET

CBC News


Prime Minister Stephen Harper is urging Parliament to pass legislation that would strip old-age income benefits from hundreds of federal prisoners.


Prime Minister Stephen Harper speaks during an event in Woodbridge, Ont., on Friday, Oct. 15, 2010. (CBC)


It comes after a media report that admitted murderer and sexual stalker Col. Russell Williams would still be eligible to receive his estimated $60,000-a-year military pension after pleading guilty.

The prime minister said Friday it would be inappropriate to speculate on the outcome of a case that is still before the courts.

But in the wake of "other cases," Harper said the government has already tabled a bill to end Old Age Security and guaranteed income supplement benefits currently going to federal inmates over the age of 65 and who are in prison for two years or more.

"So when someone is convicted of a crime like that, they should not be receiving voluntary payments from the government of Canada," Harper told reporters at an event in Woodbridge, Ont. "That's our position and we urge Parliament to pass that legislation."

The prime minister did not specifically mention military pensions, saying only that the government must "distinguish payments from contractual obligations" it may have.

Read more: http://www.cbc.ca/politics/story/2010/10/15/harper-inmates-pensions.html#ixzz12RvByB69

Wondergirl said:

The CBC Radio News reported that Harper was asked about how he felt about the news that Williams will receive his pension. They cited the public indignation at the news.

I think RW's pension should go directly to compensate his victims, and their loved ones.

Strip pensions from inmates, Harper urges MPs

Last Updated: Friday, October 15, 2010 | 12:31 PM ET

CBC News


Prime Minister Stephen Harper is urging Parliament to pass legislation that would strip old-age income benefits from hundreds of federal prisoners.

Prime Minister Stephen Harper speaks during an event in Woodbridge, Ont., on Friday, Oct. 15, 2010. (CBC)


It comes after a media report that admitted murderer and sexual stalker Col. Russell Williams would still be eligible to receive his estimated $60,000-a-year military pension after pleading guilty.

The prime minister said Friday it would be inappropriate to speculate on the outcome of a case that is still before the courts.

But in the wake of "other cases," Harper said the government has already tabled a bill to end Old Age Security and guaranteed income supplement benefits currently going to federal inmates over the age of 65 and who are in prison for two years or more.

"So when someone is convicted of a crime like that, they should not be receiving voluntary payments from the government of Canada," Harper told reporters at an event in Woodbridge, Ont. "That's our position and we urge Parliament to pass that legislation."

The prime minister did not specifically mention military pensions, saying only that the government must "distinguish payments from contractual obligations" it may have.

Read more: http://www.cbc.ca/politics/story/2010/10/15/harper-inmates-pensions.html#ixzz12RvByB69

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Sorry to quote myself here, but I find it kind of interesting that the CBC has now changed both the headline and the picture on this story, since I posted this at noon today. In addition, the comments section is now closed, and there is nothing there.

Headline changed from this "Strip Pensions from Inmates, Harper Urges MP's"

to

"Colonel Williams Eligible for Pension"

followed by this picture.

Spin.

Timothy Appleby from The Globe and Mail will be providing live updates from Williams hearing on Monday. Blackberry and Iphone users can get the feed, and there is some sort of event/feed thingy at the link here.


Once the hearing begins, follow along as reporter Timothy Appleby provides live updates from the courtroom. Those using BlackBerries and iPhones can click here.

Upcoming Event




http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news...s-plea-and-sentencing-hearing/article1759108/

Even in Jail, Colonel entitled to Pension

Meanwhile, retired colonel Michel Drapeau said that victims' groups have the right to be angry, considering that Williams will also be allowed to keep his rank.

"They ought to be outraged," Drapeau told CTV News Channel from Ottawa on Friday afternoon.

Drapeau added that the jailed colonel will be entitled to other benefits as well, such as severance pay and reimbursements for changing residences. In short, Williams' record will appear as if the colonel had retired admirably, said Drapeau.

Drapeau said that the military has had to deal with similar cases in the past, but this time, they have yet to act against Williams.

As a first step, Drapeau noted that the Director of Military Prosecutions could launch a case relating to Williams' conduct.

According to Drapeau, Williams could face military action for prejudicing the good order of discipline and disgraceful conduct.

Surprisingly, said Drapeau, the prosecutor hasn't been called into action.

"Why is it that this individual hasn't been mobilized?"

http://toronto.ctv.ca/servlet/an/lo...g-pension-101015/20101015/?hub=TorontoNewHome