Paul Koester pleads self defence against Ian Bush

UPDATE MAY 24, 2007: MY LATEST POST ON THE IAN BUSH INQUEST CAN BE FOUND HERE.

Interior News reporter Thom Barker reports on Constable Paul Koester's version of the events leading to the death of Ian Bush.

“When Const. Koester asked Bush to sign a promise to appear, Bush suddenly and unexpectedly punched Const. Koester repeatedly in the side of the face and head area,” the document alleges.

“Const. Koester took steps to try to defend himself against Bush’s attack, and offered to release him without his signature on the promise to appear, but Bush continued his attack.

“Bush choked Const. Koester from behind. When Const. Koester began to lose consciousness, Const. Koester drew his service pistol and struck Bush with the barrel of the pistol several times in an effort to break free.

“Bush told Const. Koester to take his last breath.”

I am certain this will cause quite a stir in Houston, as family and friends of Mr. Bush rally together to deny the officer's story.

Howard Rubin, Bush family lawyer, said it’s too early to know for what date the trial will be scheduled.

Although the lawyers are saying that an inquest could be held in December. As soon as I find out, I'll be posting it here.

Would the trial be held at the courthouse in Smithers? I'm not sure how Koester could get a fair trial here, since everyone has an opinion on the issue one way or another. There has simply been too much media attention that would prevent finding 12 jurors that have no bias.