Strangers come to Thomson's defence - waiting decision now

[Hammerhead]

Strangers come to Thomson's defence
By MARYANNE FIRTH/Tribune Staff

WELLAND — "Drop the charges against Ian Thomson. Charge criminals instead!"

Though that was the only sign at a peaceful protest in front of the Welland courthouse on Wednesday morning, it was a message shared by more than 20 people who gathered in support of the Port Colborne man.

Thomson, 53, faced charges after firing a gun to scare off men allegedly attempting to firebomb his home in August of last year.

Two of the charges were dropped by the Crown on Wednesday, but careless storage charges remain.

Thomson was charged with a series of criminal offences for "essentially just trying to defend himself and his property," said protestor Michael Varey.

"I think this is a gross violation of the principles of Canadian law. It's outrageous," said the Hamilton resident.

Varey believed Thomson "deserves the support of the community," which is why he chose to make the trek to the Rose City.

Showing support, he said, will indicate that people are not happy with the direction the Crown attorney and police are taking in "prosecuting a man who on the surface of it appears to have done absolutely nothing wrong."

Thomson did "nothing that any of us under the same circumstances wouldn't hesitate to do," he said.

Toronto resident Robert Bailey felt strongly enough about the issue that he took the day off work to be part of the protest.

He was appalled that a man whose home was allegedly being firebombed was charged for taking "a firearm that was legally owned" and firing a warning shot above the heads of the assailants.

"The cops come and charge him instead of charging the criminals," he said, calling it a "travesty of Canadian justice."

"I can just imagine Sir John A. Macdonald turning over in his grave," said Bailey, taking a brief break from pacing in front of the Cross St. building with a sign.

"It's ridiculous. Every Canadian should be out here today protesting this."

Four people are facing arson charges in relation to the incident at Thomson's home. Randy Weaver, 48, of Port Colborne; Justin Lee, 19, of Welland; Richard Coulthearst, 46, of Welland; and Michael Theberge, 20, of Port Colborne, will all appear in a St. Catharines courtroom on Tuesday, March 8 at 11 a.m.

"I'm a proud Canadian gun owner," Murray Bowen said while standing his ground outside the courthouse.

"I believe a man can defend himself and his home. It's what we're allowed to do according to the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms," said the Dunnville resident.

"It's a God-given right to protect yourself … I would do the same thing if someone was trying to harm my family or my property."

Bowen said people need to put themselves in Thomson's shoes.

Though not everyone is in favour of guns, most would be thankful to have that protection if they were under attack in their own home, he said.

Tom Miedema was in Niagara visiting from Houston, B.C., when he learned from http://www.canadiangunnutz.com about Thomson's case and the protest. He travelled to the courthouse to show his support for Thomson's actions, which he deemed reasonable under the circumstances.

Thomson's home was being firebombed and he did what he considered necessary for his own safety, Miedema said.

Thomson will be back in Welland court on Monday, April 11, to deal with the remaining charges.

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Please show up when others in dire need , you could be there some day - Haji