bc:r._c._vaillancourt_2018_bcsc_2527
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| bc:r._c._vaillancourt_2018_bcsc_2527 [2026/07/09 18:24] – created - external edit 127.0.0.1 | bc:r._c._vaillancourt_2018_bcsc_2527 [2026/08/21 22:35] (current) – victorzhou | ||
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| [3] The prosecution alleges that the two counts were committed on February 27, 2017 in West Kelowna, British Columbia. Three witnesses were called: two police officers and Mr. Vaillancourt. They testified at the voir dire. With the consent of counsel for the Crown and the accused, their testimony was admitted into evidence at trial. Mr. Vaillancourt also testified at trial. | [3] The prosecution alleges that the two counts were committed on February 27, 2017 in West Kelowna, British Columbia. Three witnesses were called: two police officers and Mr. Vaillancourt. They testified at the voir dire. With the consent of counsel for the Crown and the accused, their testimony was admitted into evidence at trial. Mr. Vaillancourt also testified at trial. | ||
| - | [4] There is also an admission of facts. The following facts were admitted: the identity of the accused is not contested and admitted by the defense; time, jurisdiction and location were not contested and admitted by the defense. The events took place on February 27, 2017. The continuity of evidence is admitted. Samples of the substances were sent to Health Canada | + | [4] There is also an admission of facts. The following facts were admitted: the identity of the accused is not contested and admitted by the defence; time, jurisdiction and location were not contested and admitted by the defence. The events took place on February 27, 2017. The continuity of evidence is admitted. Samples of the substances were sent to Health Canada |
| [5] As noted above, Sergeant Greg Woodcox' | [5] As noted above, Sergeant Greg Woodcox' | ||
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| [8] On February 27, she was working in-uniform in a marked police vehicle. She was dispatched to assist Constable Sundstrom, who was investigating a suspicious incident at the intersection of Highway 97 and Westlake Road in West Kelowna. She was aware of the fact that there was an unconscious man on the surface of Highway 97. This road is the main link between Kelowna and West Kelowna. It has two lanes going north and two lanes going south with a concrete barrier dividing the two directions. The posted speed limit is 80 kilometers per hour. She was dispatched at 2:50 AM and arrived on the scene three minutes later. | [8] On February 27, she was working in-uniform in a marked police vehicle. She was dispatched to assist Constable Sundstrom, who was investigating a suspicious incident at the intersection of Highway 97 and Westlake Road in West Kelowna. She was aware of the fact that there was an unconscious man on the surface of Highway 97. This road is the main link between Kelowna and West Kelowna. It has two lanes going north and two lanes going south with a concrete barrier dividing the two directions. The posted speed limit is 80 kilometers per hour. She was dispatched at 2:50 AM and arrived on the scene three minutes later. | ||
| - | [9] When she arrived on the scene, she observed a dark-coloured Ford Focus with an Alberta registration plate. The vehicle completely blocked the fast lane. Its lights were switched off. She stopped behind the Focus and turned on her lights. She did not need to activate her siren. She positioned her vehicle between twenty and fifty feet behind the Ford Focus to established | + | [9] When she arrived on the scene, she observed a dark-coloured Ford Focus with an Alberta registration plate. The vehicle completely blocked the fast lane. Its lights were switched off. She stopped behind the Focus and turned on her lights. She did not need to activate her siren. She positioned her vehicle between twenty and fifty feet behind the Ford Focus to establish |
| [10] When she reached the side of the vehicle, due to the poor lighting, she used a flashlight to illuminate the interior of the vehicle to be able to see inside. She saw baseball bats on the passenger seat in front of her. The interior was covered with garbage and waste. Due to the waste, it was not possible to see the floor on either the passenger or driver side. There was a man in the driver' | [10] When she reached the side of the vehicle, due to the poor lighting, she used a flashlight to illuminate the interior of the vehicle to be able to see inside. She saw baseball bats on the passenger seat in front of her. The interior was covered with garbage and waste. Due to the waste, it was not possible to see the floor on either the passenger or driver side. There was a man in the driver' | ||
| - | [11] The bats were within reach of the driver. Clark observed that the driver' | + | [11] The bats were within reach of the driver. Clark observed that the driver' |
| [12] Once Officer Sundstrom brought the accused to the rear of the vehicle, the two officers initiated a pat-down search. In one of his pockets, Officer Clark found a hard object. Officer Clark searched the accused' | [12] Once Officer Sundstrom brought the accused to the rear of the vehicle, the two officers initiated a pat-down search. In one of his pockets, Officer Clark found a hard object. Officer Clark searched the accused' | ||
| - | [13] Mr. Vaillancourt was standing next to the trunk of the Ford Focus. In a pocket, which she testified was the accused' | + | [13] Mr. Vaillancourt was standing next to the trunk of the Ford Focus. In a pocket, which she testified was the accused' |
| - | [14] In cross-examination, | + | [14] In cross-examination, |
| [15] I continue to Officer Sundstrom' | [15] I continue to Officer Sundstrom' | ||
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| [17] After arriving on the scene, Officer Sundstrom turned on his patrol car's lights, exited the vehicle and surveyed the scene. When he pointed his flashlight towards the vehicle, he immediately saw two baseball bats on the passenger seat. There was garbage in the car and he saw the driver in the driver' | [17] After arriving on the scene, Officer Sundstrom turned on his patrol car's lights, exited the vehicle and surveyed the scene. When he pointed his flashlight towards the vehicle, he immediately saw two baseball bats on the passenger seat. There was garbage in the car and he saw the driver in the driver' | ||
| - | [18] Finally, the man woke up. He was slow. He was very disoriented. Sundstrom pointed the flashlight at himself so that Mr. Vaillancourt would know that they were police officers. Officer Sundstrom ordered that the accused turn off the engine but then the accused turned the radio dials. Once the engine was shut off, he ordered that the accused exit the driver' | + | [18] Finally, the man woke up. He was slow. He was very disoriented. Sundstrom pointed the flashlight at himself so that Mr. Vaillancourt would know that they were police officers. Officer Sundstrom ordered that the accused turn off the engine but then the accused turned the radio dials. Once the engine was shut off, he ordered that the accused exit the driver' |
| [19] At this time, Sundstrom decided to conduct a pat-down search. The goal of the search was to determine whether the accused possessed a firearm. In his view, Sundstrom had many grounds: the accused' | [19] At this time, Sundstrom decided to conduct a pat-down search. The goal of the search was to determine whether the accused possessed a firearm. In his view, Sundstrom had many grounds: the accused' | ||
| - | [20] Officer Sundstrom testified that he decided to conduct the search for the following reasons: the presence of baseball bats, which he thought were weapons, and that he -- that Mr. Vaillancourt seemed to be impaired or suffering from a medical problem. And when he got up, he said " | + | [20] Officer Sundstrom testified that he decided to conduct the search for the following reasons: the presence of baseball bats, which he thought were weapons, and that he -- that Mr. Vaillancourt seemed to be impaired or suffering from a medical problem. And when he got up, he said " |
| [21] Mr. Vaillancourt also testified during the voir dire. He said that he was 51 years old and that he lived in Grande Prairie, Alberta at the time. He has a lengthy criminal history, including convictions for fraud. He testified that last year, on September 15, 2017, he was a gunshot victim. He was transported to Calgary, Alberta where he spent several weeks recovering in a hospital. He received therapy. One of the consequences of his injuries is that it is difficult for him to get up to stand. | [21] Mr. Vaillancourt also testified during the voir dire. He said that he was 51 years old and that he lived in Grande Prairie, Alberta at the time. He has a lengthy criminal history, including convictions for fraud. He testified that last year, on September 15, 2017, he was a gunshot victim. He was transported to Calgary, Alberta where he spent several weeks recovering in a hospital. He received therapy. One of the consequences of his injuries is that it is difficult for him to get up to stand. | ||
| - | [22] Mr. Vaillancourt testified that on February 27, he was nearing the end of a short vacation lasting a couple of days. He had borrowed the vehicle from a friend named Cal (phonetic) but he did not know Cal's family name. Mr. Vaillancourt does not currently work but he was previously employed in construction as a driver and transporter. His girlfriend' | + | [22] Mr. Vaillancourt testified that on February 27, he was nearing the end of a short vacation lasting a couple of days. He had borrowed the vehicle from a friend named Cal (phonetic) but he did not know Cal's family name. Mr. Vaillancourt does not currently work but he was previously employed in construction as a driver and transporter. His girlfriend' |
| [23] He arrived in Kelowna. He went to a restaurant and ordered a beer and spaghetti. This is the last memory he has for February 25 -- 26. The next memory he has is when he woke up with police next to his vehicle. In other words, he testified to a lapse in his memory. The police ordered him to exit the vehicle. He testified that he wanted to cooperate but that he needed help. | [23] He arrived in Kelowna. He went to a restaurant and ordered a beer and spaghetti. This is the last memory he has for February 25 -- 26. The next memory he has is when he woke up with police next to his vehicle. In other words, he testified to a lapse in his memory. The police ordered him to exit the vehicle. He testified that he wanted to cooperate but that he needed help. | ||
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| [24] On the subject of the search, he said that he tried to explain to the officer that he had been shot. After this, the officer helped him exit his vehicle and that they went to the rear of the Ford Focus. The officers both started their pat-down searches, stopped at his pockets and each found one bag. Mr. Vaillancourt said that Officer Sundstrom testified that he took the bag out and then said, [TRANSLATED] " | [24] On the subject of the search, he said that he tried to explain to the officer that he had been shot. After this, the officer helped him exit his vehicle and that they went to the rear of the Ford Focus. The officers both started their pat-down searches, stopped at his pockets and each found one bag. Mr. Vaillancourt said that Officer Sundstrom testified that he took the bag out and then said, [TRANSLATED] " | ||
| - | [25] After the voir dire, Mr. Vaillancourt testified in the trial. He testified that he had been driving all day from Duncan to Grande Prairie before his arrest. He stoppped | + | [25] After the voir dire, Mr. Vaillancourt testified in the trial. He testified that he had been driving all day from Duncan to Grande Prairie before his arrest. He stopped |
| - | [26] In cross-examination, | + | [26] In cross-examination, |
| - | [27] In closing argument, the Crown submitted that the version of events that Mr. Vaillancourt' | + | [27] In closing argument, the Crown submitted that the version of events that Mr. Vaillancourt' |
| - | [28] The Court must consider the following principles. The first and most important principle in all criminal cases is the presumption of innocence. From the beginning of the trial, Mr. Vaillancourt is presumed to be innocent and this presumption applies until the Crown presents evidence which convinces me of his guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. Two rules flow from the presumption of innocence: the first is that that the Crown has the burden to prove guilt; the second is that guilt must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt. These rules are fundamental for the presumption of innocence and they serve to prevent convictions of innocent people. The burden of proof is on the Crown and is never reversed. Mr. Vaillancourt does not have the burden of proving that he is innocent. He does have to prove anything. Thus, if I have a reasonable doubt as to whether Mr. Vaillancourt is guilty of an offence of which he is accused, I must grant Mr. Vaillancourt the benefit of the doubt and find him not guilty. | + | [28] The Court must consider the following principles. The first and most important principle in all criminal cases is the presumption of innocence. From the beginning of the trial, Mr. Vaillancourt is presumed to be innocent and this presumption applies until the Crown presents evidence which convinces me of his guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. Two rules flow from the presumption of innocence: the first is that that the Crown has the burden to prove guilt; the second is that guilt must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt. These rules are fundamental for the presumption of innocence and they serve to prevent convictions of innocent people. The burden of proof is on the Crown and is never reversed. Mr. Vaillancourt does not have the burden of proving that he is innocent. He does not have to prove anything. Thus, if I have a reasonable doubt as to whether Mr. Vaillancourt is guilty of an offence of which he is accused, I must grant Mr. Vaillancourt the benefit of the doubt and find him not guilty. |
| - | [29] Equally important is evaluation of credibility. I must consider the witnesses in this case. Are they sincere? Is there a reason that the witness would not tell the truth? Is there a reason that a witness would give testimony more favourable to one side or another? Does the witness have a good memory? Does the witness have a reason to remember the events of their testimony? Did the witness have any difficulty in recalling events in question and was this difficulty justified? Is their testimony reasonable and coherent? Is their testimony compatible with other witnesses' | + | [29] Equally important is evaluation of credibility. I must consider the witnesses in this case. Are they sincere? Is there a reason that the witness would not tell the truth? Is there a reason that a witness would give testimony more favourable to one side or another? Does the witness have a good memory? Does the witness have a reason to remember the events of their testimony? Did the witness have any difficulty in recalling events in question and was this difficulty justified? Is their testimony reasonable and coherent? Is their testimony compatible with other witnesses' |
| - | [30] Equally important, in this case, is the fact that Mr. Vaillancourt has testified. Following R. v. W. (D.), [1991] 1 SCR 742, if I believe Mr. Vaillancourt' | + | [30] Equally important, in this case, is the fact that Mr. Vaillancourt has testified. Following R. v. W. (D.), [1991] 1 SCR 742, if I believe Mr. Vaillancourt' |
| [31] The definition of possession is also important. In //R. v. Morelli//, [2010] 1 SCR 253, the majority of the Supreme Court of Canada said: | [31] The definition of possession is also important. In //R. v. Morelli//, [2010] 1 SCR 253, the majority of the Supreme Court of Canada said: | ||
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| [16] On an allegation of //personal possession//, | [16] On an allegation of //personal possession//, | ||
| - | [32] In this case, I do not believe Mr. Vaillancourt' | + | [32] In this case, I do not believe Mr. Vaillancourt' |
| - | [33] However this is not the end of the analysis. According //R. v. W.(D)// I must examine all the evidence. In this case, I accept the officers' | + | [33] However this is not the end of the analysis. According |
| - | [34] I am convinced that the admitted facts and expert opinions are true and I accept that the quantity of drugs found in the possession of the accused was consistent with the purpose of trafficking. I am persuaded that Mr. Vaillancourt was in possession of the drugs as per Morelli. I am also aware of the officers' | + | [34] I am convinced that the admitted facts and expert opinions are true and I accept that the quantity of drugs found in the possession of the accused was consistent with the purpose of trafficking. I am persuaded that Mr. Vaillancourt was in possession of the drugs as per Morelli. I am also aware of the officers' |
| [35] Mr. Vaillancourt, | [35] Mr. Vaillancourt, | ||
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