Up front: Cross memorial a sad reminder to take care on our roads page 3 News: SIA boss takes aim at CVRD for Peerless ash-cap project page 7
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Wednesday, May 1, 2013
Stalking suspect arrested
Investigators recommend charges in beating of little terrier
Ashley Degraaf
News Leader Pictorial
Ashley Degraaf
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News Leader Pictorial
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hris and Leigh Davies are relieved to hear charges may be in the works against the man they witnessed beat “Terry” the Boston Terrier April 21. North Cowichan/ Duncan Cpl. Jon Stuart confirmed the owner of the terrier — who the Davies named Terry — was questioned by an officer as well as a B.C. SCPA investigator and arrested April 28 and released on conditions. Both animal cruelty and uttering threats charges have been recommended but have not been sworn in by Crown counsel. The extent of what the alleged dog-beater could be facing if charges are sworn and subsequently laid is unknown. He’s set to appear in court May 28. “It’s very good news,” said witness Chris Davies. “But the bad thing is the dog is still with the idiot.” But he and wife Leigh are just glad to see some action resulting from the traumatizing incident, which spurred a wildfire of community outrage through social media. “They have acted and that’s good and it’s the right thing to do,” Davies said. “People really do care and they’re just wanting to see results.”
Andrew Leong
An injured woman is helped by paramedics and Duncan firefighters after Saturday’s rollover crash on the highway near Duncan’s overpass. For the story, see page four.
Routley wants McKay plan tossed, school board reinstated Peter W. Rusland
News Leader Pictorial
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ecisions by a provincial trustee to close some Cowichan schools may be reversed if MLA Bill Routley is re-elected and the NDP forms govern-
ment. The NDP candidate says decisions about shutting schools — a hot topic among parents, teachers, and students — amid dropping enrolments, should be made by elected trustees. Hinting at more education funding from an NDP government, Routley said, if reelected, he’d work to reinstate Cowichan’s nine trustees who were fired last year for filing an illegal deficit budget in protest of Victoria’s funding envelope.
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“If elected, I will pursue a stop to any school closure decisions by the Liberalappointed trustee,” Routley says in an April 29 email, after refusing an interview request on the topic. “I believe these decisions ought to be made by democratically elected and accountable school trustees” writes Routley. “If I am re-elected as MLA for the Cowichan Valley, the BCNDP forms the government on May 15 — and with the additional funding for education already announced in the BCNDP election platform — I will advocate the position with my colleagues in government, that the school trustees who were elected, and who agree, return to complete their original term of office.” Routley states he’s met with B.C.appointed trustee Mike McKay — who’s
working feverishly with parents and staff about school-closure options to also be announced May 15 — and explained his plans. The MLA notes fresh funding “would change the school district’s financial situation” but he was unavailable to explain the amount of money coming to Cowichan. The board’s budget was $3.7 million in the red for its 2013-14 school year. But McKay asked Tuesday even if that $3.7 million was handed to Cowichan’s board “would we spend it doing exactly what we’re doing?” He thought not, citing the need to address trades programs, school-of-choice options, a bus system running “beyond its means”, and local school vacancies due to dropping student numbers. more on page 4
Duncan woman couldn’t be happier to hear the “creepy” guy who followed her and her two kids in the Moorfield Road area has been arrested. Better yet, she was told by RCMP staff he could be facing charges and possible jail time. “I’m definitely very happy about it, especially since I’ve heard more stories about him since mine,” Jane (not her real name) said Tuesday. Police confirmed the arrest Tuesday afternoon, but were unable to provide other details at press time. Jane’s experience with the stalker occurred about a month ago. She recognized the man as someone she’d met years before. “When I saw him, I knew who he was. He’s East Indian, pretty short, very skinny, with glasses,” she said. RCMP sent out a press-release warning folks of a series of nighttime incidents in recent months, whereby women were approached or followed by a male. Jane’s just relieved her follower isn’t out on the streets. “It’s just such a relief to know he’s not lurking around anymore,” she said.
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