From Toronto Sun
Wednesday, March 19, 2003
3,660 shootings in T.O. since '96
Gunpoint violence 'mind-boggling': Victim
By GRETCHEN DRUMMIE, COURTS BUREAU
Since 1996, 3,660 people have been shot in Toronto -- including bouncer Randy LaTouche, who says the level of gunpoint violence in the city is "mind-boggling."
LaTouche was cut down by a bullet while he was trying to do his job. The 40-year-old still uses a cane a year after James Barnes fired a slug into his leg because he didn't like being told which exit to take.
Of the 3,660, 165 died, a veteran cop told court yesterday.
"It's very terrible to know there's so many guns around the city," LaTouche said. "We all thought it was a gun-safe country, but we can see it's not really as safe as it was before."
He added that the stats show the courts "can do more."
Barnes, 32, is convicted of nine charges including aggravated assault and weapons offences arising from the Feb. 2, 2002 shooting of LaTouche and his colleague Gareck Nelson.
MORE DETERRENCE
"More than 3,000 people have been injured or killed in Toronto with a gun since 1996," said Crown Erin Winocur in urging Barnes be jailed from seven to 12 years.
Defence lawyer David North urged three to three and a half years on top of 13 months pretrial custody.
Winocur said the startling statistic "speaks to the strong need" for deterrence with respect to shootings in Toronto.
Det.-Sgt. Rolf Prisor testified at Barnes' sentencing hearing that he recently compiled the statistics using department data, and they include only shootings in which someone was injured or killed.
"The prevalence of firearm use has increased steadily since 1996," Prisor said. "The highest numbers are found in the handgun category."
"It changed my life tremendously. I can't do the things I used to do," LaTouche said of the shooting. "I can't do anything right now."
Barnes will be sentenced on April 3.
