A behind-the-scenes look at CHEK's months-long fight to publish exhibits from the trial of a convicted killer and defend freedom of the press.
For more than half a year, CHEK News has been fighting for the release of exhibits of a convicted killer’s trial.
In Canada, the principle is that court proceedings should be open to the public, and shouldn’t be inhibited, because the legitimacy and public confidence of criminal justice as a whole, depends on it.John Dickinson, 30, was out for a night of drinking and dancing with his girlfriend. Dickinson later died due to massive blood loss. A hooked knife was later found at the scene. Hooked or ‘gutting’ knives are typically used in hunting and fishing for gutting and skinning animals.Listen to the full 911 call here:During the 911 call you can hear the moment Victoria Police arrive on scene.Omar goes on to tell police to shoot him multiple times and threatens a police dog.Omar: “No I’m not f****** moving nowhere. If you want to come get me, come get me.
At every turn, Omar, representing himself in court, tried to prevent publicly available exhibits from ever going public., which is regarded as “indispensable.” The principle requires “that court proceedings be open to the public, and that publicity as to those proceedings be uninhibited.” CHEK submitted the affidavit in June of 2024 in the middle of the trial. When Omar was faced with the reality of having his photo and 911 call made public, after going through an entire trial self-represented, he suddenly asked for a lawyer.
The judge disagreed that the publication of the exhibits would have any effect on a retrial, which wasn’t in the works.
Canada Latest News, Canada Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
South Island Municipalities Push for Delay in 911 Dispatch Cost DownloadTen municipalities on Vancouver Island are urging the provincial government to postpone its plan to shift the costs of 911 dispatch services onto them. Beginning April 1, these municipalities will be responsible for E-Comm dispatch services, leading to property tax increases ranging from 2.7% to 6%. The municipalities argue that the province should continue funding 911 dispatch until a review of E-Comm's financial sustainability is complete.
Read more »
B.C. Municipalities Face Hefty 911 Dispatch Costs, Criticize Province's HandlingTen municipalities on Vancouver Island are protesting the province's plan to make them pay for 911 dispatch services, arguing that it will unfairly burden taxpayers. The municipalities say the downloaded costs will lead to significant property tax increases. They are calling for a more equitable approach, potentially a levy on cellphone users, and are pressing for greater transparency from the province about E-Comm's performance and financial management.
Read more »
South Island Mayors Fight Against Province's 911 Cost DownloadMayors from 10 South Vancouver Island municipalities protested against the provincial government's plan to shift 911 dispatch costs to them, arguing it's unfair and will increase property taxes. The mayors claim the province is downloading a provincial responsibility onto local municipalities and are calling for alternative funding models, such as a cellphone levy.
Read more »
91-Year-Old Woman's Distraught 911 Call Played in Calgary Courtroom During Rape TrialA harrowing 911 call was played in a Calgary courtroom on Monday, as jurors heard the voice of a 90-year-old woman who had just been raped in her assisted living apartment. The Crown alleges that Buffalo broke into the seniors' complex and hid in Mary's storage closet before attacking her. Initially, police did not believe Mary had been raped. A rape kit was not conducted the night of the sexual assault, and Mary was sent home alone in a taxi. DNA evidence is expected to link Buffalo to the crime.
Read more »
Langford Faces Budget Hike Due To Province Cutting 911 Dispatch FundingThe City of Langford faces a significant budget increase due to the province and federal governments withdrawing funding for 911 dispatch services. This move will cost Langford an estimated $1.5 million this year, leading to a two percent property tax increase. Langford Mayor Stew Goodmanson criticized the lack of consultation and the burden placed on a select few municipalities. He argues for a more equitable distribution of costs across the province.
Read more »
Northern B.C. Regional Districts to Consolidate 911 Call ServicesStarting next year, Fraser-Fort George 911 will manage emergency calls for four regional districts in northern British Columbia: Bulkley-Nechako, Cariboo, Kitimat-Stikine, and Fraser-Fort George. This move aims to provide a more autonomous and localized 911 call answer service, create job opportunities, and offer cost savings compared to the current contract with E-Comm.
Read more »