Goudge Inquiry: The OPP (Ontario Provincial Police) Letter: Part One: ( Unabridged);

The real Dr. Charles Randal Smith may have emerged in a letter filed at the Inquiry yesterday.

The letter, dated 18 November, 2002, is on the letterhead of the Northumberland OPP - Cobourg detachment.

It is addressed to Chief Coroner Dr. James Young and signed by Inspector J.J. (Jim) Szarka, Inspector and Detachment Commander.

I am running the letter in its entirety without editorial comment for the benefit of the readers of this Blog. (My comments will follow in a later posting);

"Dear Dr. Young.

An officer from my detachment has contacted me about the circumstances of a traffic stop that I feel you should be aware of.

The stop took place on the 401 Highway near Percy Street in Cramahe Township on the 9th of November, 2002. Constable Nancy Wagner advised the driver she had clocked him at 136 km/hr and asked if he had a reason for traveling at that speed. He indicated "I was passing". There was one other occupant in the passenger seat, being an 18-20 year old male. The officer showed some discretion and issued the driver a ticket for 115 km/hr which would result in no demerit points (instead of 4) and approximately $200.00 less of a fine.

The driver got angry and said "did you not see my license plate?" The officer said "Yes sir". He then said "Do you know who I am, I am the head of Pediatric Forensic Pathology for this province." He asked "What office do you work out of?" The officer responded "Northumberland OPP, Cobourg office."

He then said "Next time Cobourg needs forensics on a child they won't get one from our office."

The officer asked "So you are denying Cobourg your services because you got a speeding ticket?" He then responded "Yes." The officer clarified "You are going to risk an investigation for a family and child because you got a speeding ticket?" He again motioned with a head nod up and down. The officer advised the motorist she would be speaking to her Inspector about the matter and he quickly drove off.

Constable Wagner was obviously very concerned by the statements made to her. I do not think I need to comment further about the seriousness of this matter.

I look forward to hearing from you in relation to this issue.

Signed. J. Szarka;

Next posting: Dr. Young's reply;

Harold Levy; hlevy15@gmail.com;