THE CASE OF THE CROOKED CONTRACTOR'S DRIVER

I was in traffic court this morning.

No, not for a speeding ticket. I was called as a witness in the case against the driver of the crooked contractor that I wrote about in my blog back in September of 2011.

As I waited for ‘my’ case to come up, I sat and watched as the judge dealt with at least thirty cases in the modest sized Newmarket court room. I scanned the scene looking for ‘my’ delinquent driver but to no avail.

Maybe he’d sent a lawyer in his place, I wondered to myself.

One by one, the cases were heard.

One young girl sobbed as she pled guilty to driving 149 km/h (reduced from 160) on a 100 km/h highway…. $343 please and slow down.

A man was guilty of driving without insurance…$2,000. If that’s a problem, you may repay the court in twelve monthly installments.

Another was charged with driving with an expired driver's licence…$260 for that one.

Many cases were remanded to a future date after the court served disclosure papers to the defendants.

It was all quite fascinating and extremely efficient but at the end of an hour, I was the only person left sitting in the courtroom.

“What’s your business,” the grey haired judge asked in a Lorne Greene voice.

“I’m here as a witness, your honor,” I replied, feeling a bit foolish to be left standing like a lonely ten pin.

“But all cases for today have been dealt with,” he explained. "You aren't needed."

With that, court was adjourned for the morning. I felt a bit bewildered until a police officer stepped forward. He looked familiar.

“The case was settled before you arrived. Here, I’ll walk you downstairs to get your stipend for appearing today.” He was the original arresting officer in my case.

“Can I ask what happened? I said.

“Let’s just say he got what he deserved for driving while suspended and without insurance. He had a lawyer to expedite matters for him before the court convened this morning. That’s his right of course.”

I then asked about the case against the crooked contractor.

“Not sure,” he answered. “That’s a much more complicated one. It’s still before the court.”

As the court clerk handed me $18.60 for my 62 km round trip between Thornhill and Newmarket, I felt a bit disappointed. I’d given up my morning for nothing.

But then I realized that, for my first time in traffic court, it’s much better to be a witness than to be the accused.

Justice had been served and I had been a small part of the process.