Attorney General Honourable John Gerretsen: Look into Justice of the Peace Alfred Johnston and his court performance

On two occasions now, Justice of the Peace Alfred Johnston has delivered "intemperate" and "draconian" decisions in legal court settings. In August 2013, his decision to accept a plea and fine a defendant (Ann Wyganowski) $400 for accidentally striking and running over Fen Shi with a vehicle was upheld. On to top of this, he chastised the victim's son (John Pan) during the hearing for saying "the driver killed" his mother in his victim impact statement; Johnston's reason... "the defendant has suffered as much as the family".

Earlier in February 2013, he threw out over 60 charges because the prosecutor (Michael Rose) was 2 minutes late. Michael Rose was just outside the courtroom, in the midst of checking in defendants — “part of the prosecutor’s role” — when proceedings began. When asked about his decision Mr. Johnston stated "The act says, if there’s no prosecutor..." and walked away. Later on, the Justice of the Peace declined to comment further, and said he could not be quoted. He later instructed a security officer to remove the reporter from the premises. Four of the charges were appealed and overturned.

Honestly, there has to be something said about today's assembly line justice system... and for what? Expediency and saving money? There has to be a review system set up by the Crown Attorney's Office to evaluate court performances and look into cases like this so that victims are not left in the dark.