Prince George, BC – Despite a request to remain in custody in Kamloops, Lloyd William Cook will be transferred to Prince George to appear in BC Supreme Court next week to be sentenced on two counts in connection with the death of his 13-year-old stepson.

Appearing via video-conference from Kamloops Regional Correctional Centre this afternoon, Cook asked Mr. Justice Glen Parrett if he could remain in Kamloops for his sentencing, saying he feared for his life if returned to Prince George.  Justice Parrett denied his request, and strongly urged Cook to obtain legal counsel for his appearance next Tuesday afternoon.

Cook was found guilty, in absentia, last week on charges of unlawful confinement and interference with a dead body in connection with the death of 13-year-old Adam Scott Williams-Dudoward in January of 2000.  At the time the verdict was delivered, Cook had already missed an earlier court date and a bench warrant was issued.

A provincial court judge had already ordered Cook returned to Prince George for a court appearance next Tuesday morning on the charge of failing to appear.  Mr. Justice Parrett expressed his frustration that Cook had actually been arrested on the provincial court warrant and remained in custody in Kamloops, because staff at the Prince George Regional Correctional Centre took the position they would have to release him if brought here on the existing warrant. 

Parrett said he doesn’t understand how various provincial court agencies don’t understand their obligations, "When a bench warrant is issued, I expected it to be obeyed by provincial law enforcement officials," said Parrett.  "Perhaps they better get their act together, instead of frustrating the process."  Crown Counsel Lara Vizsolyi said she had just learned of the situation, but said she agreed with his concerns, as she had spent the better part of two-and-a-half days trying to have Cook transferred to Prince George.

Mr. Justice Parrett says he considers the BC Supreme Court warrant executed and Cook’s issues will dovetail in court on Tuesday.