Mike W. Bryant
Northern News Services

Yellowknife (Aug 13/04) - Crown prosecutors have decided not to proceed with an assault charge against a Yellowknife man who threw bags filled with dyed powder at federal election candidates during a public forum held last June.

Mark Bogan was scheduled to appear in court Monday to answer to a single charge of assault with a weapon, but the Crown dropped its case against him.

"There you go, you can commit serious, heinous crimes in Canada and walk away a free man," said Bogan, adding that he was surprised the charge against him was dropped.

Bogan was arrested after lobbing several small plastic bags containing what he said was a mix of flour, blue chalk and "purple clothing dye from Wal-Mart" at an Alternatives North-sponsored all-candidates forum, June 23.

None of the bags hit the four candidates seated at a table before a large group of residents gathered at the Northern United Place.

"I just went off and threw them," said Bogan.

"I don't see well, and your heart is pumping, and your adrenaline is going and you just strike when you can."

He said his stunt was inspired by a similar incident that occurred in the British parliament, where a fathers' rights activist struck Prime Minister Tony Blair with a bag full of dyed chalk.

Like that man, Bogan is frustrated with what he claims is a biased justice system that routinely ignores or rules against non-custodial parents when trying to obtain visiting rights. Bogan said he hasn't seen his eldest son in eight years, and his youngest in three.

Earlier this year, Bogan launched a petition drive to get the Yellowknife Health and Social Services Authority to create a support group for fathers who have been estranged from their children.

He is often seen around town wearing a superhero-like costume, for which he goes by the name "Plywood Man."

Crown counsel Sadie Bond refused to explain why the charge against Bogan was dropped.

"With all charges, the Crown has to assess whether there is a reasonable prospect of conviction, and whether or not it's in the public's interest to proceed with the charge," said Bond.

"We've done that assessment, and we're not proceeding with that charge."

When asked if Northern politicians should be on the lookout for Plywood Man, Bogan said they can count on it.

"Plywood Man will always strike," said Bogan.

"I've been stripped by justice, my friend."