There needs to be an independent review of how the RCMP handled the Nicole Ryan case, instead police are reviewing their own actions. It's the hit man for hire case in which the country's highest court tore a strip off the RCMP suggesting the Mounties were quicker to intervene "to protect Mr. Ryan (Nicole's now ex-husband Michael) than they had been to respond to her request for help in dealing with his reign of terror over her." Instead of an independent review however, Justice Minister Ross Landry seems content with allowing the RCMP to review themselves on this matter. The Supreme Court of Canada has called into question the tactics of the RCMP in Nova Scotia. The opposition has it right. There needs to be an external review and its results must be made public.
An external review also might help sort out the truth in this bizarre case. Nicole Ryan tried to hire a hit man to kill her husband after what she says were years of abuse including guns pointed to her head and knives held at her throat. Michael Ryan on the other hand denies her story and suggests she was somewhat unbalanced and suffering from depression. The courts, including the Supreme Court of Canada, have accepted her side of the story without him being called to testify. Like I said, it's a bizarre story. Whether the full truth will ever come out is unknown, but the case against Nicole Ryan has been closed.
A tragic death after an accident last night around 7 o'clock near Timberlea Parkway and Brunello Boulevard. The driver of a pickup truck lost control and smashed into a van with a father and his two young sons inside. The 5 year old died. His 8 year old brother suffered non-life threatening injuries. The father wasn't hurt. Road conditions at the time were snowy and slippery. It's a harsh reminder about driving to conditions. Condolences to the family.
A suit of armor, rare first edition books including Darwin's Origin of Species, a letter from General James Wolfe detailing his plans for the siege of Louisburg and a watercolour of Province House from the early 1800s are among the historic documents and antiquities seized from the Fall River home of John Tillman this week. Tillman's facing possession of stolen property charges as police begin tracking down the owners of the over 800 items they've recovered. We know so far they've been in contact with police in Newfoundland and the FBI. They're also looking at local pawn shops and even musems and historical collectors to see if they've purchased any items from Tillman. This is a fascinating case and I can't wait to hear the full details of how it was pulled off.
One more day. We'll have to deal with another 24 hours of this deep freeze that's gripped much of the country this week. One more day and we'll see temperatures in a balmy -10 degree range.
Have a great day. Get involved. And if you're not outraged you're not paying attention.
Rick Howe
