By Chad Klassen

Video surveillance of search unveiled in Robertson trial

Feb 2, 2016 | 11:31 AM

KAMLOOPS — Defense for Sarah and Jason Robertson has unveiled video surveillance from their home on 152 Arrowstone Drive, one of three residences searched on May 8, 2014. The couple is facing 18 charges in relation to stolen property, drug trafficking, and possession of unauthorized firearms.

WATCH: Full story by Reporter Chad Klassen

The video, accessed from 11 cameras on the property, shows police approaching the residence around 5:29 p.m. on May 8. Sgt. Christopher Bannerholt is shown knocking three times and announcing RCMP presence for about 30 seconds before a battering ram is used to gain entrance into the garage.

Inside the courtroom, Sarah Robertson looked shaken when video played of her returning home, around 7:45 that evening, only to be confronted by officers and arrested with her two daughters in the vehicle.

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“Sarah, you are under arrest for stolen property and the purposes of drug trafficking, and possession of unauthorized firearms,” says one officer in the video. 

“There has to be some kind of mistake. What about my kids in the car,” replies Sarah. 

The officer then notifies her the Ministry of Children and Family Development is on its way to the house to pick up the children. 

“Can I call a family member, can I have a lawyer,” yells Sarah seconds later. 

The officer replies, “No, not right now.”

Police asked Sarah where Jason went. It was at that point, defense stopped and replayed that portion of the video, arguing police didn’t have the right to ask questions without allowing Sarah to contact a lawyer. 

Sarah then asked, “What’s going to happen with me.”

“You’re going to jail,” says one officer.

On Tuesday, Sgt. Gary Senner was on the stand, one of eight police officers involved in the search. In the video, Senner is shown searching a yellow Corvette outside the home. Nothing was found.

Defense questioned Senner, asking why police didn’t obtain a search warrant for the Corvette, not included in the Information to Obtain report. Senner says he searched the car for the purposes of officer safety, not knowing if someone would return to the house and be able to access a weapon. 

Defense also questioned Senner about the 40 weapons seized from the property on Arrowstone, arguing some of the firearms were stored properly and not restricted, and thus should not have been taken.

The proceedings continue on Wednesday at B.C. Supreme Court.