Howard Page

Four accused were convicted of drug trafficking offences committed for the benefit of a criminal organization (the Five Point Generals), conspiracy to traffic controlled substances, and firearms offences following a three-month jury trial based largely on intercepted communications.

The appellants challenged their convictions on five grounds: jury selection procedures, cross-examination limitations of the Crown's expert witness, exclusion of defence expert evidence, admission of extrinsic misconduct evidence, and alleged imbalance in the jury charge.

They also appealed their sentences, primarily challenging the credit awarded for pre-sentence custody.

The Court of Appeal dismissed all conviction appeals and three of four sentence appeals, allowing only Shane Evans' sentence appeal based on inadequate credit for pre-sentence custody.

The Registrar of the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario sought to revoke the liquor licence of West Side B.B.Q. Restaurant.

The City of Toronto intervened in support of the revocation.

The Board heard evidence from police and community members regarding open drug trafficking, intoxicated patrons, and the negative impact of the establishment on the neighbourhood.

The Board found that the licensee permitted drug trafficking and drunkenness on the premises, and kept liquor not purchased under licence.

Concluding that the licence was not in the public interest, the Board ordered its immediate revocation.