Ludwig trial put cash-strapped RCMP under scrutiny BOB WEBER EDMONTON (CP) - Wiebo Ludwig was the defendant, but many times it seemed the RCMP were the ones on trial. Eight weeks of testimony at Ludwig's oilpatch vandalism trial raised repeated questions about a police force relying on tired, outdated equipment and in danger of taking bids on its integrity. But it's not the first time. The Ludwig trial revealed only the latest example of a …showed first 75 words of 1236 total…

…showed last 75 words of 1236 total…explosive residue on Ludwig's hands, video and photos of burning wellhead in Ludwig's possession. Defence says comments are ambiguous, evidence circumstantial, Wraight's testimony unreliable. Explosives conspiracy - Three counts relating to possession. Crown has wiretap of defendants discussing purchase, videotape of them picking up fake dynamite. Defence says purchase was Wraight's idea, no dynamite found at Trickle Creek. Explosives possession - One count. Crown points to pickup of fake dynamite. Defence suggests RCMP entrapment. ---