Court ON a hot summer night last year, a group of teenagers gathered for a night of partying in an isolated area of South Surrey called Stokes Pit. One of the group refused the advice of his peers and got into his car, an older model Cadillac, and attempr- ed to drive away. He was too drunk to walk, let alone drive, and some of the group tried to physically stop him. He hit the gas pedal hard and spun the wheel to move the car away from those striv- ing to stop him trom doing something he'd regret. They failed. He drove off in a cloud of dust slamming into bodies and vehicles, torever altering dozens of lives. The final body count was nwo dead and numerous injured, some permanently. Last week, the driver of the ill-fated vehicle, a young oftender who consequently cannot be named, appeared in Surrey Family Court before Judge Ed Scarlett. He was sentenced to three years probation and three months in open cus- tody. He was also instructed to write letters of apology to the families of the victims. On the surface of it, this would seem to be a very light sentence considering the damage, personal and physical, left in the wake of the incident. . But Judge Scarlett was very caretul in saying he did- n’t want to make another victim of Stokes Pit. The sentencing sparked controversy in the communi- crime and punishment * Surrey’s Mayor Doug MacCallum spoke out saving the sentence did nothing to deter anyone from a similar future act. Good point. But this boy has never been ‘n trouble before. His lite is in tatters, as is that of his family who are feeling every bit as guilty as their son. Searlett argued that plac- ing the boy among murder: ers, rapists and thieves in jail would do nothing to change what has already occurred and would only serve to fur- ther destroy any chance the boy has of a semi-normal life. A valid argument in this case, I believe. A senior police officer in Langley who was close to the investigation said to me, “How do vou say vou're sorry for that? He'll have to live with an incredible guilt for the rest of his life. P don’t think I could do that.” This case illustrates the fine line judges often have to tread when looking at sen- tencing in cases before them. In this case, P believ Judge Scarlett addressed the matter appropriately, given the circumstances and the history of the boy in the dock. On the same day, in North Vancouver, the RCMP Serving the Lower Mainland since 1971 Another one of ‘our designs. For Free Estimate call 922-4975 or 987-2966 (Ask about our Seniors Discount) Labour $10.50 per panel untined, $11.50 lined. Low Low Prices dealt with a case that started as. a shoplifting at Lynn Valley mail. By the time the matrer had come to its canchusion, the Mounties had three peo ple in custody. They recov: ered over $200 worti of Safeway property. ‘The car the men were driving had been stolen cartier from 3 hotel in Burnaby. None of this was surpris- ing to the police, What was surprising was the sheer number of criminal convic- tions on their respective pedigrees. Between them, they had VL convictions for every- thing from theft to robbery with violence. All were on probation at the time of the offences. All News Is Dear Editor: A friend described in’ the dictionary is one attached to another by esteem, respect, and affection. A description | share, when it comes to the North Shore News. Friend, community partner, good neighbor — are words I have often used in my 13-year rela- tionship with the North Shore News. In 1984, after what 1 thought was a wrongful: deci- sion by ICBC over a car acci- dent E was involved in, I sevice On hore _ Over’ 30 years * The North, PRE B, Consutiatias 7 had outstanding charges for which they were on bail when arrested by the ROMP. One even had the lauyth- able condition nor to go any: where on the North Shore. Here are three individuals who have done nothing in their pathetic lives to suggest thev care about living by the rules in Our society. Their criminal histary reads like a listing of offences in the criminal code. Thett. theft of auto, BRE, posses- sion of stolen property, rob- bery, assault causing bodily harm, trafficking, escape law- ful custody, breach of proba- tion, failure to appear, and on it goes. Can anyone explain to me why they are not locked up for life? appreached the North Shore News. An article entided “ICBC makes biased deci- sion” telling my side of the story, enabled me to reverse ICBC’s charge 100% fault to 50%, consequently saving myself thousands of dollars — North Shore News was there. In 1987, when FE began the first North Shore Community Christmas Dinner at the North Vancouver recreation centre to bring Christmas to the North Shore poor — the North (CBC Payment Plan Now Available | Defieux-Saxelby Insurance Services Inc. 105-200 West Esplanade North Vancouver (Located beneath Famous Piayers Theatre) Wednesday, February 25, 1998 — North Shore News — 7 Can't deal with real criminals Thev have demonstrated time, and time and time again they simply do not care about any restrictions placed upon them by the courts. Probation? It's a joke to them. Nothing ever happens to them if they breach the con- ditions imposed. In Surrey, a young man was drunk and his lack of thinking has placed him in a prison few of us could endure. Basically a good kid by all accounts, except for this one time he faltered. The guilt over what he has done on one stupid, drunken night will haunt him forever. Calls were made for his head. Public admonish- ment of a judge who had a very difficule decision to Shore News was there. Again in 1993 when the harvest pro- ject celebrated its grand open- ing success stories, the North Shore News was there. Whether it's food. raising, fundraising, promotion or sharing success sturies, the North Shore News has always been there. In the good times and in the bad, the North Shore News has been a constant and consistent cor- nerstone in ny fife and an Alt services fully warfanty approved make were extolled in the media. In North Vancouver, three pieces of human exere- ment continued their fite of crime unconcerned about anything the justice system has exposed them to. Yer, their case passes before the bar of justice with nary a peep. There is a need for judges to show compassion and understanding of the ocea- sional human trailty. There is also a time for them to look seriously at a wasted fife and come to grips with the fact that some people ure simply beyond redemption. Ir is the latter thar judges and the justice system scent incapable of dealing with. — lkniqht@direct.ca a good community friend integral part of the success of the harvest. Looking back over the past 13 vears and ahead to the next 13, [ have the peace and con- fidence that when E need help, support, or a shoulder to lean on, my friend, community parmer and good neighbor, the North Shore News, will always be there. David J. Foster Harvest Project North Vancouver Lube, oli & fitter change Reg. $28.95 Quaker State 10W30 Not valid with other offers. 1362 Marine Drive 980-9115 Mon-Sat 8.00am-6.00prn, Sun. 9:00am-5:00om Expires March 6/98 ; | Chris Carter’s FREE RRSP Best Ideas Kit PLUl S468 terwereee CHRIS CARTER FINANCIAL AOVISOR Email: chris.carter@midwal.ca WwW ™Blue Chip Thinking is a trademark of Midland Walwyn Capital inc. Unfortunately, life’s costs have a way of costing you your RRSP contribution. So here, at VanCity, we’ve created two simple solutions. The Prime Minus 1 RRSP Loan and the VanCity Top Up RRSP Loan. Both are available at remarkably low rates and excellent terms for the right reason: to help keep life from getting in the way of your RRSP. To learn more, call us at 877-7000 or toll-free at 1-888-VANCITY. PAN VanCity It’s right here”