Shane Arthur Wilson was found not guilty Wednesday of possessing heroin.
During a B.C. Supreme Court trial at the Prince George courthouse, a Prince George RCMP member testified that he saw Wilson, 34, put his hand over a fence and appear to drop something just prior to his arrest in the 2200 block of Quince St. on May 10.
However, there were too many unanswered questions remaining for Justice Ron Tindale to conclude Wilson was guilty beyond reasonable doubt.
Defence lawyer Keith Jones said there were discrepancies in testimony about how far the package was found from the fence, no fingerprints could be identified on it and the police dog did not track the package to Wilson.
Moreover, said Jones, RCMP failed to inquire adequately as to whether the occupants of the home in the yard where the package was found knew anything about whether it had been there before Wilson had passed by.
"He [Tindale] was suspicious but there's a missing connection and proof beyond reasonable doubt is a high standard," Jones said.
About three grams of the drug was found at the scene, the court had heard.
Wilson has an extensive criminal record and police have described him as a prolific and violent offender known to associate with organized crime groups.
Heavily tattooed, standing 6'2" tall and weighing about 200 pounds according to past police descriptions, Wilson was brought into the courtroom in leg irons and handcuffs during the trial.
Wilson had been released from jail only the day before his arrest. He had been sentenced to one day in jail for breach of recognizance and issued a two-year $500 recognizance after allegations on a charge of causing fear of serious personal injury.
Wilson faces no further charges, according to court records, and Jones said Wilson is doing his best to stay out of trouble.
"To his credit, what he's trying to do is deal with some of his underlying issues which have more to do with anger than they do with addiction and move on with his life," Jones said.
Jones said he opted to hear the matter in B.C. Supreme Court because it is easier to book a block of time for a trial there than in provincial court and is less prone to interruptions.
