MORE INTERFERENCE FROM THE TOP.

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You will recall a few days ago in my last posting that I alluded to certain things that were being stated on another blog site with reference to the Wilbert Coffin case. Much of what was being discussed concerned material that I have covered in the past. I find no cause for quarrel at being used as the centerpiece for the table. As a matter of fact, it is gratifying to discover that other writers choose my site when they are in need of factual and informative information. The disturbing fact here of course is the taking of certain things out of context, rendering the appearance of an altogether different meaning.

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I have been accused by this person as one who is always blaming Maurice Duplessis for the misfortunes of Wilbert Coffin. That is partly correct. I blame Duplessis where it can be proven that he was responsible. I can assure you, there are many instances where Duplessis can be blamed.

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I make no excuses for statements that I have made, and given the same set of circumstances, I would do it again. The problem is that someone should have said something back in the 1950's, but chose to set back and say nothing. That is precisely why the Wilbert Coffin case was allowed to end up as it did. People were afraid to voice their concerns to a premier turned dictator.

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Interference is one thing in all walks of life, but when it has to be fought at the top level, it takes on new meaning. Such was the case in Quebec in the 1950's. The stumbling block there of course was the leader himself, none other than premier Maurice Duplessis. From the days of his first being elected, Duplessis, assumed a dictatorial role. He would maintain this stance, surrounded by his handful of henchmen throughout his party's tenure in office. Without doubt, Union Nationale spelled Duplessis, and Duplessis spelled Union Nationale. He was the Lord and ruler, and woe unto anyone who got in his way.

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I wish to point something out. On this other web site the author criticizes me for blaming the government of the day for the illegal application of rules with reference to the inquest verdict which was changed to reflect responsibility and guilt on the part of Wilbert Coffin. The author points out that it was not Maurice Duplessis, the premier, who made the decision to do this. I am in receipt of documentation which clearly states, "the attorney general of Quebec has stated that Wilbert Coffin will be charged with murder, no matter which way the verdict reads". I would suggest that the author of this blog refresh himself on the history of Quebec during this period.

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I do agree, yes it was the attorney general of Quebec who made that statement, but the damaging aspect is the fact that the attorney general was none other than Maurice Duplessis. You see, in order to exercise complete control , it was necessary to appoint himself to all the big cabinet posts, as well as wear the hat of the premier. There are those who do not like for me to make reference to these facts, but the bottom line is, these are the markings of a dictator. If that person has his sights set on you, your chances are slim to none of escaping his grasp and wrath when he comes calling. Wilbert Coffin is an excellent example.

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Much emphasis is now being placed by a few on the importance of the Brossard Inquiry. I have stated it before, and I'll state it again, the Brossard Inquiry was nothing more than "window dressing" subsequent to the execution of Wilbert Coffin to shut up those who were asking questions with reference to the judiciary of Quebec during the Coffin affair. This inquiry was not about Wilbert Coffin's dilemma. Not at all. Wilbert's case merely cleared the path and provided an avenue for the government and police to get at Jacques Hebert, because it was none other than Mr. Hebert who put all the pressure on the government. You must remember, by the time that the decision to hold the Royal Commission into this affair was decided upon, Wilbert Coffin had been in his grave for nine years, and the guy at the top, Maurice Duplessis, had occupied his for six years.

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Even though Duplessis had departed, the rumours and anxiety continued to mount to the point of affecting the day to day operations of the new government. With the death of Duplessis, came the death of the Union Nationale Party. It was important that any new government distance itself immediately from the political fallout associated with the Union Nationale Party and Maurice Duplessis.

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The new Liberal government under Jean Lesage did just that. Lesage knew that the Brossard Inquiry would accomplish nothing. However, it might quiet down the people who were still up in arms over the Coffin affair. It would be a cheap price to pay if it could accomplish this goal, and it may instill some public confidence in the Liberal party once again in Quebec. Now you can perhaps see, with the intervention of government the affair started to turn bad at the tainted inquest, and by now we are studying the affairs of the second government during their best to mop up the slop left by Duplessis and the boys.

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To reiterate, the Brossard Inquiry was not an inquiry extension dealing with the guilt or innocence of Wilbert Coffin. Pure and simple, it was nothing short of a group of good old boys doing an inquiry on themselves, and headed up by one of their own by the name of John Charles Vanhoutte. The agenda was simple, make the judiciary of Quebec look honest, trustworthy, and transparent in the eyes of the public.

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A few days ago I told you of an interview that I had just conducted with a long time Gaspe peninsula resident. His name was Gilles Bastien. He was the former Quebec Provincial Police officer whose job it was, to prevent Wilbert Coffin talking with his legal team during his trial. You will recall, on the day of that posting I alluded to another Gaspe' businessman whom I discovered on the coast and was willing to talk to me about the Wilbert Coffin affair. This gentleman, like Gilles Bastien, is still very much alive and pleased to talk to me. I shall now introduce him to you. His name is Michel Pouliet.

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Mr. Pouliet is a pilot. During the early 1950's Mr. Pouliet owned a firm called Air Gaspe'. He had his runway, office, and service centre at Haldimand on the peninsula coast. Being the first and only air service in the peninsula region, Mr. Pouliet came into contact with many people from many walks of life.

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I found Mr.Pouliet's story to be most interesting. For the most part it displays congruency with what Gilles Bastien had told me earlier in the week. You will recall that Mr. Bastien had explained his role in causing Wilbert Coffin to be unable to meet up with his legal counsel during the trial at Perce'. Mr. Pouliet was now ready to relate to me his role in preventing Wilbert Coffin from speaking with his counsel prior to the trial, when he was being transported between Quebec City and Gaspe'.

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Mr. Pouliet owned four aircraft. Prior to transporting Mr. Coffin, Captain Alphonse Matte, or John Charles Vanhoutte would contact Mr. Pouliet by telephone. Their instructions were simple. They had a passenger going to Quebec. He would not be boarding the aircraft at the hangar. Mr. Pouliet was advised to taxi an aircraft to the end of the runway prepared for flight. The passenger would emerge from the bushes in the accompaniment of the police officers. They would then board the aircraft and receive flight instructions from the officers. Mr. Pouliet recognized the passenger as Wilbert Coffin. This arrangement was never to be discussed with his lawyer, Mr. Alphonse Garneau.

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On the day of the wrap-up of the trial, and after the verdict was announced, Mr. Pouliet experienced a very unusual happening with his small aircraft company. Earlier in the day, he received an unusual request from a gentleman. The gentleman had a question. How many planes do you own? Mr. Pouliet informed him that he owned four airplanes. The next question was, "how much to rent a plane for all day?" The answer was $500.00 per aircraft. The gentleman said he wanted all four of them but would only be using one of them. The remaining three would remain at Haldimand, and the fourth plane would fly a reporter from Haldimand to Dalhousie, New Brunswick. They must get there in time to be able to transmit a picture of Wilbert Coffin to New York as he emerged from the court house at Perce. The same rules would apply whether Wilbert was found to be innocent or guilty. This reporter was from "The New York Times" newspaper, and they wanted to be the first across North America to publish the Wilbert Coffin story.

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I am told that all things in life eventually work out to a common good. You may recall that since I have been writing and investigating this story, I am constantly on the lookout for this person or that person and eventually they come forward. It is usually after several people have informed me that the person I am looking for has entered eternity.

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This week has been no different. I received information on a gentleman that I have been looking for. He is a former police officer from the 1950's and he worked on the Wilbert Coffin case. The best part is, he is willing to talk to me. Indeed, I am looking forward to later in the week when I will have the opportunity to ask my questions of this person. It does pay to be persistent.

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The next posting will cover the forensic and ballistics portion. This will be a most important part, as it is this section that actually controlled the whole affair. You will see and understand, that had saner heads prevaled from the onset, the Wilbert Coffin case would have been a routine murder case, the perpetrators could have been brought to justice, and I believe that Wilbert Coffin could have lived out his life to old age.

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Lew Stoddard

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This manuscript is covered by copyright. Reproduction in part, or in whole, by whatever means, or for whatever reason, is not permitted without the express written consent of the author, Lew Stoddard

SOME THINGS NEVER CHANGE

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Throughout history it can be proven time and time again that false and erroneous communication sets the stage for a misguided path of belief. Perhaps this is the result of folks taking the path of least resistance, or maybe, taking the path as laid out by an action or statements attributed to someone who is trusted and relied upon to be correct, only to discover later the problem still exists. Either way, the end result remains the same, the problem still exists.

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Specifically, I am talking here about the Wilbert Coffin case. From the genesis, this case has been riddled with false claims and statements, adding to the complexity of events as they truly happened.

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There is not a single week that passes that is void of someone approaching and asking me to clarify this or that. It is usually the result of someone voicing their opinion in such a way to appear that it is fact, and in doing so, manages to sway someone else from the truth. As I have stated to you many times, every care and caution is put into place before anything is published as fact on this site. It simply has to be that way, otherwise we are only adding fuel to a fire that has already burned out of control.

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The most recent revelation that has come to me by way of two separate readers of this site concerns stuff they have read elsewhere on the internet, and for one reason or another made a bad choice.

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I must admit, my time is generally consumed by my own website, ensuring its accuracy, while investigating and researching new clues, therefore, usually I do not have the time to peruse all that may be being said on other sites. However, this latest one tweaked my interest enough to take a few moments and do some window shopping.

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One of my readers had alluded to a posting on this other web page that concerned the charge of murder, more specifically, the murder of Richard Lindsey. By now we should all know that three persons were murdered in the Gaspe' bush. However, only one charge was ever laid, that being for the murder of Richard Lindsey, laid against the defendant, Wilbert Coffin.

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Upon checking this particular site that I was guided to, my reader was 100% correct. On March 13, 2008 the author of this site states and I quote, " By the Criminal Code, a person can only be charged with one murder." Unless there has been a mysterious revision of the Criminal Code, that statement is not accurate. I will cite you some examples. Please read on.

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By now, all of the world is probably aware of the first case that I shall refer to. In the province of British Columbia, and to be more exact, in the city of Port Coquitlam where I reside, we just witnessed the largest mass murder case in the history of Canada. William Robert Picton was accused of killing 49 women. He was charged with killing in excess of 40 of these women. In January of 2008, the initial trial concluded. His trial had proceeded with the first 6 murders with the trial for each one held simultaneous with the other five. He was convicted, and the crown made the decision to not proceed on the next 20 charges, due to the fact that concurrent sentences would apply. It is to be noted, the crown was prepared to proceed, and it was quite within the parameters of the C C of C (Criminal Code Of Canada) to do just that.

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The next example is that of Clifford Robert Olson. Olson was charged with the murders of 11 youngsters in British Columbia in the early 80's. As in the case of Picton, he too was charged with multiple murders.

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Let us not forget the charming couple from St. Catherines, Paul Bernardo, and Karla Holomoka. They were both charged with the double murders of two Ontario school girls. Holomoka escaped the wrath of judgement on a murder charge by cutting a deal with the attorney general of Ontario. Bernardo was found guilty of both counts.

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To sum up, there is no limitation on the number of murders that a defendant can be charged with. The way that it is normally done, and this should have been related to my reader by the author of the other blog in his comment. Let us use Picton as the example here. He was charged separately with each murder. In the first six charges, it would have been read out to him someting like this, "Robert William Picton, Count one against you is for the charge of first degree murder of Jane Doe in violation of the applicable section of the Criminal Code Of Canada, How do you plead?" The next one would be count two and so on until all charges are exhausted. The same rules would have applied in the other two examples cited above as well.

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Charges are brought about in this manner to avoid a double jeopardy situation, and as well, by doing it this way, it is possible to find guilt or innocence on any one of the charges without influencing the remaining ones.

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For someone who is supposedly a lawyer, it simply is not good enough to merely explain to a reader that Wilbert Coffin was not charged purely because it would violate the Criminal Code if the murder of Fred Claar and Eugene Lindsey were included. Make no mistake about it, Wilbert Coffin was not charged for those two murders for one reason and one reason alone, that reason being, because the crown had no evidence to support the charge. In a distorted way, by suppressing evidence, and tampering with other evidence, coupled with wining and dining a jury, made from a pool of half English and half French, they did manufacture a guilty verdict.

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In a couple of days, I shall be presenting my findings on the autopsy and forensic aspects of this trial. We shall also be into ballistics in a big way. I have no reservations whatsoever, that if you read this report and study it, you will quickly see that Wilbert Coffin should never have been convicted on the basis of what was presented.

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Thank you so much. I juat wanted to set the record straight again on a couple of things. While looking at that site today, I noticed three other areas that need to be dealt with as well. I shall get to those, one at a time, in the very near future.

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Lew Stoddard

Host of "Stoddard Online"

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This manuscript is protected by copyright. Reproduction in whole or in part, by any means, for whatever reason is not permitted without the express written permission by the author, Lew Stoddard.

COFFIN TRIAL. . A FLAWED PROCESS

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In the last posting we were taking a look at the trial process of Wilbert Coffin. We were making a determination as to whether Wilbert Coffin actually received a fair process from the judiciary of the day.

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You will recall that we reviewed the inquest process conducted by Doctor Lionel Rioux. You will further recall the scenario leading up to and including the changing of the inquest verdict to reflect one of responsibility on the part of Wilbert Coffin. This was done subsequent to the jury having already delivered a verdict of non-responsibility on Mr. Coffin's part. This was done on directions from the Ministry of Justice of the province of Quebec.

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It is important to note here that the directive from the justice ministry was swift and absolute. They simply stated that they were going to charge Wilbert Coffin with murder anyway, whether or not the inquest jury found him responsible. In spite of the directive from the ministry, the decision to change the verdict was not unanamous. Two of the responsible businessmen from the Gaspe' area saw fit to hold out and not go with the directive. They were Whorrel Annett and Gabriel Bernard. The government got their wish in the form of a majority vote, with the two dissenters remaining intact.

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To the surprise of many, Gabriel Bernard is still alive at this writing and confirms this revelation. He is also willing to convey this information to a court of enquiry. I have personally spoken with Mr. Bernard and he has assured me that he was never convinced that Wilbert Coffin was guilty of this crime, and as well, feels badly with respect to the ministry of justice promoting a change in verdicts.

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I have reviewed these things simply to display to you the illegal happenings which took place, as it is important to remember that it was these events that laid the frame work for the upcoming trial. There is an important question here that needs to be answered. The question is simple, it is the answer that is complex.

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The question is simply, "Is it proper and prudent that a court of law be allowed to flourish and make a determination on a first degree murder charge, when the very venue of determination is laced with illegal procedures? In my view, I do not believe that it is. I know of no other court system in the land that would permit this to happen.

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For the past few months I have been working on an aspect of this trial process that has never been worked in the past. That is not to say that it shouldn't have been investigated. If the trial judge had done his work properly at the onset of the trial it would have been discovered. More importantly, if the defense legal team headed up by lawyer Raymond Maher had done his job the crown would not have got away with it either. The whole scene emits a stench of complicity on the part of both the crown and the defense. I ask that you read and re-read the following few paragraphs before you form an opinion.

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In order to fully understand the gravity of the situation that I am going to describe to you it is important that we fully understand and appreciate the laws governing our court system and the rights of individuals caught up in the workings of the judiciary of Canada. It is also important to note that Canada received her Charter Of Rights And Freedoms in 1982. Prior to this date, as a nation we were subject to the laws and rules of Great Britain. As a result, persons charged with an offence were covered by certain rules, which enabled a fair exposure to the justice system.

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Subsequent to 1982, in a more refined and defined structure, certain laws and rules remained intact. In other words, since the original confederation there were always some rules governing the handling of an accused. Without doubt, that set Canada apart from many other regimes of the world who offered much less.

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An important consideration is the fact that under both the British regime and our current charter, the rights and freedoms of a citizen is a very precious and fragile component, especially to those who may find themselves falling within the net of a judicial proceeding against them. That is why the application of our rules are entrusted to those in authority, to make certain that those less fortunate are treated equally to those who may be in a higher social status.

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During the course of my investigation of the Wilbert Coffin affair, it has always been in my mind as to whether Wilbert Coffin received the full benefit of protection as would have been provided by law. Early on my question was partially answered when I learned of the changing of the verdict at the Inquest. My feelings were that if this was an example, there would be others. I did not know where, but I was determined to find them. I am glad that I am not one to give up easily.

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Fair exposure to the justice system includes a competent legal defense. That is not just my interpretation, that is laid out clearly in both the old system under British law and our new system, falling under the current Charter Of Rights And Freedoms. Without that principle in place, clearly there would be no equality within the parameters of law. In simple terms, "the law for the poor, and the law for the rich" would be the order of the day. Unfortunately, to the peril of an accused, if justice is allowed to be meted out by the wrong hands, then the scales of justice are name only, and meaningless. I invite you to read on.

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The tale that I am now going to relate to you is true. I know that because I personally researched it, and conducted interviews. It is an ugly, chilling tale, mostly because it happened here in Canada, a place where this sort of thing could never happen. I should tell you now, this did not happen by accident. It was a planned, calculated strike against a citizen of Canada, charged with an offence. His name was Wilbert Coffin of Gaspe', Quebec.

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In order that one do an indepth study of this affair as I have done, immediately one asks themselves the question, "Was Wilbert Coffin adequately defended?" From the time of his arrest until trial, much of his time was spent without the services of a lawyer. There is documented proof that in the beginning he was denied legal representation. There is also proof that as pre-trial time continued, his defense planning time with a competent lawyer could at best be described as sparce.

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Prior to being moved to the Quebec City jail for "more professional" interrogation as it was described by Captain Alphonse Matte, his local lawyer in Gaspe' had been denied access to him. His brother and father had arranged for a young local lawyer by the name of Mr. Garneau to look after him, but it was evident that Garneau was no match for the big guns sent down from Quebec on the part of the prosecution and investigation.

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During his time spent being interrogated at Quebec jail for nearly three weeks, I can find no recorded time spent with a defense lawyer. On the other hand, I can find records of hours of torturous treatment meted out by Captain Alphonse Matte and others in an effort to gain a confession, of which they were never able to extract. This evidence is supported in statements by the late Eugene Letourneau, the Quebec City jailer and staff.

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It was because of these things that caused me to "look outside the box" in order to enhance my investigation of this case. I asked myself, "If a qualified, competent defense lawyer existed during this time for Wilbert Coffin, would that person in their professional capacity have stood idly by and allowed these things to take place, considering the fact that they were dealing with the most celebrated legal case in Quebec history?" Instantly, common sense told me of course they would not. At that point, I knew that I was on the right track with respect to the legal defense of Wilbert Coffin. It simply did not exist. The crown would argue during this period that Wilbert Coffin was not being denied counsel to defend a charge, because he had not been officially charged and that he was only a suspect.

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You will recall some months back that I put out the call for any police officers who may be still alive that took part in some way with the Wilbert Coffin affair. I was assured by a couple of people that my search was fruitless as each and everyone were now deceased. Each time that I was assured they were all deceased, I was encouraged me to look more thoroughly. I encouraged anyone who had a Grand Dad or Great Grand Dad, great uncle or family friend, or associate in any way, who might be able to help to please conact me.

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Once again the search paid dividends a few weeks ago.Through a third party, I was assured that a former police officer who worked on the case was very much alive. I made an effort and was able to locate this former officer. Prior to contacting him, I was able to determine that he was French Canadian. I was prepared to do an interview with him providing he would discuss the situation with me. I was further prepared to utilize the services of an interpretor, as I do not speak French.

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This former officer's name is Gilles Bastien, a current resident of the Gaspe' coast. Upon contacting Mr. Bastien, I discovered that he was most willing to discuss the matter with me, and to simplify matters, Mr. Bastien is most fluent in both English and French.

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During the course of my discussion with Mr. Bastien he was able to enlighten me, and in many ways corroborate what others had been able to tell me about the course of events leading up to and including the trial time at Perce'. Specifically, I am referring to the defendant, Wilbert Coffin and his inability to speak with his legal counsel, brought on by the actions of the solicitor general and attorney general of Quebec.

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In this particular affair, we have only heard of the actions of the prominent players such as Captain Alphonse Matte, Sgt. John Charles VanHoutte, and the head of the Quebec Provincial Police traffic division, Captain Raoul Sirois. It is important to note that any orders coming down the pipe from Captain Sirois, were merely being passed on from Solicitor General Antoine Rivard and his cohert the Attorney General, Maurice Duplessis who just happened to be the premier of the province as well.

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Captain Matte had been in touch with Raoul Sirois and requested assistance in manpower. He stressed the importance of keeping Wilbert Coffin distant from legal counsel during down time from the trial. He requested that some officers from the traffic division be re-assigned their duties during the trial, just as Constable Lewis Sinnett had done previous to the trial. It would be these officers who were charged with the responsibility of keeping Wilbert Coffin on the move to avoid dialogue with counsel.

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The story now will focus in the direction of former Quebec Provincial Police officer Gilles Bastien. I asked Mr. Bastien to describe to me in his own words as to who appointed him, his role, and the territory covered. Here is his response to my questions.

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"I was a traffic officer on the Gaspe' coast with the Quebec Provincial Police, stationed in the Chandler area. The head office for the traffic division for the Quebec Provincial Police was in Quebec City and was headed up by a Captain Raoul Sirois. It was from the Quebec head office that all decisions were made with respect to each individual office.

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Captain Alphonse Matte made a request to the Quebec office for some officers to carry out a special detail. I was one of the officers selected to go to Gaspe' for this duty. This duty involved the Wilbert Coffin murder trial. Captain Matte would outline my duties and give verbal instructions as to what the expectations were. My instructions were simple. During time when the trial was not actually in progress, I was to prevent Wilbert Coffin from being able to have discussions with his lawyers. This would include time spent to and from the court house, stand downs for lunch, and other breaks in the trial.

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In restaurants and coffee shops, I was to control his talking to staff. It was not uncommon to place dark glasses on his face so that he would not be recognized. This was all part of the orders from Captain Matte.

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We travelled to nearly every community along the coast during the course of the trial. We travelled all the way to Rimouski, always trying to mask his identity. On other days we travelled to Matane, Mont-Joli and many other places. He was handcuffed at all times except when we would go into a restaurant. I would then remove the cuffs. He never made any attempt to run away. He was always friendly and cheerful with me. He was aware of what we doing and why. He did not blame me, he knew that I was only following orders.

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Wilbert Coffin would get upset when sometimes he would spot something in a newspaper and it was written in French as he did not understand. I would translate for him.

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Upon arrival back at the court house, it was always pre-arranged for him to arrive immediately prior to the beginning of the days proceedings. This way there would be no time for discussions with Mr. Maher or the rest of his legal team. These actions were the order of the day for the duration of the trial".

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Mr. Bastien's statement is very important to this case. It magnifies the fact that Wilbert Coffin was very much a victim of a very flawed process, and yet that same flawed process set the stage for his eventual hanging at Bordeaux Jail in Montreal.

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This complete scene is directly opposite to what both the English system of law and our Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms guarantees us as citizens. That guarantee tells us that as citizens we have a right to legal representation to defend a charge, and an equal right to a fair and unbiased trial. Wilbert Coffin was a citizen of this country, so why did the system fail him?

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It failed Wilbert Coffin because our governments allowed it to happen. The government of Quebec and the government of Canada could have easily not allowed these events to happen. Obviously, both levels of government were determined to bring this case to conclusion as expeditiously as possible. That is evident by the judiciary of Quebec resorting to a bunch of thugs doing the police work for a very corrupt system from top to bottom.

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Since beginning to write this particular posting to the Wilbert Coffin investigation, I have had the good fortune of being pointed in the direction of another gentleman who is very much alive and willing to talk. He was a businessman on the Gaspe' coast at the time of the Wilbert Coffin affair, and he has an interesting story to tell as well that ties in with the control of Wilbert Coffin and the prevention of him being not allowed to speak with his legal counsel. I shall be including this gentleman's account in the next posting.

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As you can see, there are many examples of Wilbert Coffin not being treated fairly in the justice system. It is also interesting to note that these events that I am telling you about here are well documented. They are not based on opinion. They are based on factual accounts, facts brought to the table by the players themselves, not through a third party.

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If you are thinking that some of these tales are horrendous, wait until we get into the trial itself. That is where the trickery, the manipulation, the lies and the deceit rear their heads. I beg forgiveness for my tardiness, and I do promise to speed the process. You are a great audience, and I want you to post your comments. That is what makes the site successful. I will be back real soon. God Bless you one and all.

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Lew Stoddard

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This manuscript is protected by copyright. Reproduction in whole, or in part, by whatever means, and for whatever reason is prohibited without the express written permission of the author, Lew Stoddard.