Cash crunch killing court cases: MPP
Davood Zarinchang
Richmond Hill
Feb 07, 2008 10:04 AM
Wanted man had '07 charges dropped
By: Joe Fantauzzi
Underfunding is causing the justice system to drop the ball on police work, a York Region provincial politician said.
Newmarket-Aurora Progressive Conservative Frank Klees made the remark as York Regional Police searched for a man wanted for attempted murder.
Assault charges against the Markham man, Davood Zarinchang, 25, now wanted for attempted murder in connection with a robbery in Richmond Hill, were dropped last October.
He was released after the court ruled his rights were violated when he was not given a bail hearing within 24 days.
“Police are putting themselves in harm’s way to protect us and when they finally do their job with a great deal of risk, we find the court system can’t be counted on to administer justice,” Mr. Klees said.
“There are those who would blame a judge, for example, for making a decision to release an individual back on to the street who would re-offend; the reality is you can’t blame judges, lawyers or police.
“The blame lies with government for demonstrating either an ineptness in terms of funding the justice system or they made a decision it is not a priority, which I just can’t fathom.”
In throwing out Mr. Zarinchang’s charges last year, Justice Howard Chisvin said, “It is simply unacceptable when an individual is held in custody and wants to proceed with his show-cause hearing and is unable to do so because of a lack of space.
“The serious nature of this matter could only be remedied by the most significant remedy available, that being a stay of the charges.”
Mr. Zarinchang has been sought by police since Jan. 27.
At about 8:25 p.m., two men with handguns walked into a Taylor Mills Drive North home and demanded cash from the people inside.
Shots were fired and a 21-year-old man, a tenant in the house, was struck in the leg. The man was taken to hospital with non-life threatening injuries. Two others in the home were not hurt.
Police urge Mr. Zarinchang to get a lawyer and surrender himself.
A “solid look” needs to be given to the justice system and more money should be delegated for the Crown, York Regional Police Chief Armand La Barge said.
For about a week, provincial opposition parties have been demanding a public inquiry into the staying of corruption charges against six Toronto police officers after a judge ruled the case moved too slowly.
Premier McGuinty has reportedly said he will wait for the attorney general to review the Toronto case before deciding whether an inquiry will be held.
“I think it’s ironic that as a result of the situation involving the police officers, I hear our provincial government talking about a review of the criminal justice system,” Chief La Barge said.
“Is it too high an expectation for a victim of a crime to see the case is tried in a timely fashion, the individual is held accountable for his actions and there is a strong message sent if you commit these offences, you’re going to be held accountable?”
Mr. Zarinchang is described as Middle Eastern, six-feet, three-inches tall, 220 pounds with black hair, brown eyes and tattoos on both arms, shoulder and back.
If you see Mr. Zarinchang, do not approach him, but call police at 1-866-876-5423, ext. 6630, Crime Stoppers at or leave a tip at 1-800-222-TIPS.