THE CANADIAN JUSTICE SYSTEM AT WORK.

This is a true story. A case currently wending its way

through the Canadian justice system has caused outrage.

Here are the facts: Anthony Bennett, 51, and a crack addict,

has a criminal record spanning 33 years. One of Bennett's tricks

was to ride his bicycle from store to store stealing things for re-sale

to support his habit. One particular day, he returned to the

Lucky Moose Market to help himself to expensive

plants. This was his second visit on the same day.

David Chen, owner of the market, had had enough.

He and 3 of his employees, gave chase, caught the thief,

hog-tied him and locked him in a van. They then called

the police. The upshot of this whole scenario was this.

Bennett, pleaded out in August. It should be pointed out

that this was a mere 3 months after a previous arrest for theft.

David Chen on the other hand, has been charged with "Forcible Confinement"

and having a concealed weapon. (he had a box cutter clipped to his belt, and there

there is no suggestion that he threatened to use it).

Now here's the kicker:

Bennett received a light sentence because,

"in his capacity as a victim", poor fellow, he has agreed

to be "a Crown Witness" and testify against Mr. Chen

for the proscecution.