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Friday, September 25, 2015
Vol. 8 • Issue 24
Green alternatives showcased See Pages 16-17
Selkirk Saints play in Nelson See Page 20
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Pot dispensary director welcomes dialogue from all levels of government
• He has a criminal record. • He was not motivated by greed but by addiction. • He pled guilty, sparing the courts and the victims a long trial. • He has a supportive family and has some possibility of rehabilitation. • His remorse is genuine. In her sentencing submission, Patola outlined her reasons why Stevenson should not be sentenced leniently, stating that he: • used a loaded gun (a sawed-off shotgun) in some robberies, • led police on a dangerous highspeed chase through downtown Nelson in the middle of the day, • pointed a firearm at a police officer, • discharged a firearm during one of the robberies, • robbed two banks during customer hours, putting the general public at risk, • created anxiety, flashbacks, and
WILL JOHNSON Nelson Star The owners of local medical marijuana dispensaries would welcome dialogue from all levels of government, according to one dispensary director, and they’re proud of the role they’re serving in the Nelson community. And following news that the police and city council are adopting a “wait and see” strategy towards the three existing locations in the downtown core, they are encouraging residents to educate themselves on cannabis. “It’s really important for all parts of society to understand fully the science behind the medical use of cannabis and, more importantly, to see the people in their community who are benefitting from it,” said the Kootenays Medicine Tree’s Jim Leslie, who opened his Nelson location in June. “We need to be the shining light to guide people through these times before we get better regulation.” Marijuana activist and Sensible BC organizer Herb Couch agreed, and praised both deputy police chief Paul Burkart and Mayor Deb Kozak for adopting a “wait and see” strategy towards the controversial operations. “I think this is a situation that’s happening in many places across the country,” Couch said. “I think they’re doing the right thing in waiting until after the federal election before they make a decision. I think they have good reasons, including pending court cases, to wait and see how the situation develops.” In the meantime, Couch said the dispensaries are compensating for a woefully inadequate federal system, even though
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Laura Salmon Cell 250-551-8877
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Bank robber Andrew Stevenson arrives at the Nelson courthouse Wednesday morning to learn his sentence. Will Johnson photo
Bank robber gets 10 years Andrew Stevenson sentenced after admitting to string of armed hold-ups
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‘This is a wonderful conversation’
BILL METCALFE Nelson Star Admitted bank robber Andrew Stevenson was sentenced to 10 years in jail Wednesday in Nelson provincial court for his spate of armed robberies in the West Kootenay in the spring of 2014. The time Stevenson, 35, has already spent in custody will be taken into account, leaving him eight years and four months to serve. Earlier this year, Stevenson pled guilty to eight robbery and weapons charges after armed hold-ups at the Nelson and District Credit Union and Kootenay Currency Exchange, in Castlegar at Kootenay Savings, in Robson at Johnny’s Grocery, and break-ins at two Castlegar pharmacies. The Nelson credit union robbery led to a dramatic car chase and ap-
prehension by the Nelson Police Department. In their sentencing submissions on Tuesday, crown prosecutor Sunday Patola asked for 11 years and defence lawyer Ken Wyllie advocated for eight. In his reasons for judgement yesterday, Judge Richard Hewson enumerated the factors that most affected his decision. • Stevenson’s crimes were premeditated. • He disguised himself with a balaclava and a hoodie. • There were multiple robberies in multiple locations over a period of 49 days. • The victims were bank employees and bystanders, and this was a violation of public security. • He used imitation and prohibited weapons.
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