Judge Rips RCMP

Bornmann is alleged to have bribed former ministerial aides David Basi and Bob Virk in order to obtain confidential government documents about the $1 billion privatization of B.C. Rail in 2003 for his client OmniTRAX, which was one of the bidders. Ex-communications officer Aneal Basi is charged with money laundering in connection with payments made by Bornmann. And the condemnatory language in Bennett's 37-page written decision will also encourage new criticism of how both the RCMP and Crown have handled the highly charged case that impacts a wide range of prominent political players. "The defence is entitled to disclosure in a timely fashion. This rather extensive review of the many problems with this case demonstrates that disclosure has not been sufficiently made in a timely way," Bennett read in court. "I regret that I must make the following order in such broad and sweeping terms. However, given the substantial failure to respect the disclosure rights of the accused, this order is the only way I believe I can ensure that no miscarriage of justice will occur." Bennett also ordered Special Prosecutor Bill Berardino -- missing from the entire disclosure proceedings, including Monday's session -- to provide written answers to questions from the defence on the immunity agreement with key crown witness Erik Bornmann, which will see the former provincial lobbyist testify against his former friends. Details of that agreement will now be revealed, after special prosecutors said there was no written document -- even though it is Crown policy to make such agreements in writing. More at: http://thetyee.ca/News/2007/06/05/Disclosure/ [Proofreader's note: this article was edited for spelling and typos on June 6, 2007]

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