Wednesday, October 31, 2007

Erik Bornmann re-activates attempt to become Ontario lawyer with "good character" hearing November 5 in Toronto

Basi/Virk Witness to face hearing

By BILL TIELEMAN, 24 HOURS

Erik Bornmann, the Crown's key witness in the breach of trust case against former B.C. government ministerial aides David Basi and Bob Virk, will be the subject of a "good character" hearing Nov. 5 to determine if he will be admitted to the Ontario bar as a lawyer.

The Law Society of Upper Canada confirmed yesterday the hearing is going ahead after previously being adjourned.

The hearing into Bornmann's "good character" resulted from a complaint to the society. Police allege that Basi and Virk were bribed by Bornmann, then a lobbyist, to obtain confidential government documents related to the $1-billion B.C. Rail privatization.

Bornmann's lawyer requested an adjournment so that it would take place after the trial, but lengthy delays mean the trial will not start till 2008.

The hearing will be open to the public.

Bornmann's lawyer, Bryan Finlay, did not respond to requests for comment.

INFORMATION NOT PUBLISHED IN 24 HOURS:

Society acting communications director Helen Stone told 24 hours the hearing will be open to the public and media. Bornmann had previously requested a closed hearing or publication ban on the deliberations.

"I can confirm with you that I have it on the list - on November 5 he is listed," Stone said.

4 comments:

Anonymous said...

They should sell tickets to this, it's definitely going to be standing room only!! I am very interested to know how a "self confessed briber of public officials" can attempt to become a lawyer. I didn't know the standard for lawyers has been lowered to such a degree. Bill, what would some of your friends in the legal community think about this?

Anonymous said...

Nothing on the LSUC website about this hearing. No particulars etc... about the questions around Good Character.

Is this really going ahead without Erik's testimony in the criminal trial in the Leg Raid case?

I don't think that the prosecutor would want his star witness face any questions before his big show in BC Supreme Court.

Anonymous said...

will john reynolds be in attendence? i can hear him salivating at the opportunity to hear what erik may say about bruce clark and others.

you will recall that erik made serious allegations against bruce clark that "sullied" his name - as the defence lawyer told it.

i think that the blair wilson saga may be small potatoes compared to erik's testimony.

BillnPat said...

Oh, no....... don't think the Blair Wilson thing is over yet, and don't think it won't burn a few others, Bruce Clark, Mark Marissen, and maybe even Erik Bornman included.