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www.oakvillebeaver.com The Oakville Beaver Weekend, Saturday August 23, 2008 - 11 Expert witness critical of police Think Green. Breathe Easy. HUGE CENTRAL AIR & FURNACE $ Up to Continued from page 10 ing the knives," said Kinahan. "Again, nowhere in your report does it mention what he is doing with these knives." Kinahan suggested that Couto did not take into consideration that Morgan was slashing the knives in the air when the tactical unit employed a riot gun and Taser to apprehend him. He asked Couto if having access to that information now changes his opinion. Couto said it did not. Kinahan next drew attention to notes taken in an interview Couto had with a member of the SIU. Kinahan said that at a meeting on Feb. 9, 2007 the SIU provided Couto with information about this case. The lawyer suggested Couto had commented on it much differently than he did at the trial. "You told him the use of the ARWEN (Anti Riot Weapon Enfield) was acceptable, but would not have been your first choice," said Kinahan. "You would have used the Taser first." Couto responded that he did not remember saying that, but admitted it was possible. Kinahan conceded that it was not known if the explanation of the circumstances Couto got at that time was the same as those he received from the SIU months later in preparation for the trial. Couto noted that the conclusion in his report suggests otherwise. Kinahan then questioned Couto's notion that Morgan should have been contained rather than apprehended. He noted Morgan had access to the balcony of his sixth floor apartment. "Someone getting access to a balcony, that's a concern in a containment situation," said Kinahan. "Huge," responded Couto. Kinahan said that in SIU cases between 2001 and 2007 there were 13 people who either fell or jumped to their death during similar situations. The Crown confirmed this number. Kinahan further noted that Morgan was a danger to himself because he was slashing the knives back and forth. "Someone could nick themselves accidentally and from a two centimeter cut in the right place a person can bleed to death in a matter of seconds," said Kinahan. "Knives are dangerous." "Knives can be dangerous, yes," responded Couto. As the cross-examination continued, Kohler's lawyer, William MacKenzie, took over questioning. MacKenzie noted that in the five months leading up to the confrontation with Morgan, members of the same tactical team were involved in two incidents involving emotionally disturbed individuals armed with knives. In the first incident, the man managed to stab himself before a Taser could be used on him. In the second incident, which also took place on Marine Drive, members of the tactical team were calling on an elderly man in a bathtub to put down the knife he had when he suddenly threw the knife at them. MacKenzie next drew attention to a statement he attributed to Couto, which said that in the real world police officers, who are attacked with knives, don't know they are going to be attacked. Couto did not recall making the statement, but Justice I.W. Andre said he had the reference confirming his statement. "The person's unpredictable behaviour is something officers need to take into consideration, more so if they're emotionally disturbed," said MacKenzie, who further noted that the officer's previous experiences showed that a person's behaviour could change in the blink of an eye. Couto responded that officers cannot act based on what they think is going to happen. "We teach officers that they can't anticipate," he said. "Every situation has to be considered on its merits." With Couto's testimony complete the Crown's case is now closed. The defence is expected to present its case on Monday. SALE BEST PRICES EVER! 2950* MANUFACTURERS CASH BACK Cash Back AND NO PAYMENT! NO INTEREST! FOR 6 MONTHS *OAC HYDRO CASH BACK UP TO UP TO UP TO $1400 + $1000 + $550 GOV. CASH BACK *Call for details. Financing Available 8 Locations To Serve You Better! 905-849-4998 www.aireone.com 1-888-827-2665 Democrats abroad hold Oakville rally for Obama Democrats Abroad Canada (DAC) is extending its voter outreach campaign to Oakville in an effort to find Americans who support Senator Barack Obama for President. Any American or dual citizen living in Canada has the right to vote in U.S. Federal elections and many American residents in Oakville are volunteering to help register U.S. citizens and host events in and around the run-up to the U. S. presidential on Nov.4. "This is the most important U.S. election for North America and the world", said Susan Alksnis, a DAC member living in Oakville, "and Americans in Canada could influence the outcome." Alksnis is helping to organize a Democratic convention watch party for Oakville and Mississauga residents. On Aug. 28 at 7:30 pm, Americans will gather at Oakville's Royal Windsor Pub & Eatery (610 Ford Drive) to watch Senator Obama officially accept the nomination as the Democratic candidate for President of the United States. For information, call Susan Alksnis at 905-829-9193 or Brian Hassett at 289-259-2516.