The personal side of policing page 13
Wildcats dominant at RCMP Classic page 10
Tuesday January 21, 2014
Serving Surrey and North Delta www.surreyleader.com
A vigil for Julie Crowd packs Holland Park to celebrate the life of murdered Surrey mom by Boaz Joseph
BOAZ JOSEPH / THE LEADER
Cassidy Patton, 16 (left), Kathryn Morse 13, and Sarah Morse, 16, took part in a Jan. 18 candlelight vigil at Holland Park for Julie Paskall, a 53-year-old Surrey mother who was beaten to death outside the Newton Arena in December.
A CANDLELIGHT VIGIL was held Saturday in memory of slain hockey mom Julie Paskall. Hundreds of people, including several Surrey Minor Hockey teams, attended the event. Julie was a “great mom, first and foremost,” said her husband Al following two minutes of silence. “Her greatest attribute was her ability to take care of others.” At 9:30 p.m. on Dec. 29, 53-year-old Julie Paskall was waiting to pick up her 16-year-old son who was volunteering as a referee at a tournament near the Newton Ice Rink at 7120 136B St. The longtime time-keeper with Surrey Minor Hockey was in the parking lot when someone clubbed her in the head and beat her See HUSBAND / Page 4
No jail for former city planner Akonyu Akolo sentenced to 15 months house arrest for breach of trust by Kevin Diakiw and Sheila Reynolds A FORMER City of Surrey planner has been sentenced to house arrest instead of jail, against the wishes of both the Crown prosecutor and his own attorney. Both Crown and defence lawyers had recommended prison time for former longtime city planner Akonyu Akolo, ranging from three to 15 months for trying to solicit money from a developer.
On Friday afternoon in B.C. Provincial Court in Surrey, Akolo was given a 15-month conditional sentence to be served in the community. The first nine months he is under house arrest – only allowed to leave his home for things such as medical appointments – while the last six months he will have an 11 p.m. to 6 a.m. curfew. He must also complete 50 hours of community service. Crown prosecutor Kevin Marks had
asked the court to sentence Akolo to 15 months in prison. Defence lawyer Jennifer Currie suggested three to four months of jail time, arguing that while a lengthier sentence of nine to 12 months of community service was an option, the defendant needed to work and provide for his family and a job was awaiting him in Africa. See JUDGE / Page 4
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Happy Birthday to US!
Come and join in the fun on Friday January 31. $
604-530-1400 • 20645 Langley Bypass
www.thege.ca
nd Come a te! celebra
The Great Escape is turning 5 years old!
5 admission for any age 10 – 3 packs of Laser Tag, Air Trek or 3D golf Great door prizes, food specials, See our website for full details. special offers and free cake! (while supply lasts) $
LEADER FILE PHOTO
Akonyu Akolo worked for the City of Surrey for 17 years.
Save time, save money.
The Great Early Bird Birthday Party **A very special early start party package**
Here’s how it works: • Choose from any of our great party packages • Your party starts at 9am – full hour prior to the public. • This first hour is for birthday party groups only! Choose from 2 Food Options: • Breakfast: Belgian waffle with strawberry topping and whipped cream • Lunch: a choice of pizza or hot dogs • Choice of juice or pop
All for the same original rty package PHOTO FUN! Bring your cameras and use our GE photo props/frames to party prices! WOW! take fun and memorable pictures! (9am to 10am)