TORONTO - A wrongfully convicted man who spent 31 years in prison says he just wants compensation so he can live his remaining years with some financial security.
But Romeo Phillion faces a potential new obstacle in his bid to sue those involved in his prosecution.
Ottawa police and the province of Ontario want the Supreme Court of Canada to block Phillion from pursuing his lawsuit for negligence and prosecutorial wrongdoing.
His lawyer, David Robins, says they hope Phillion -- who is now 75 -- will pass away while they appeal.
Phillion's supporters are unhappy at having to fight anew simply to have his lawsuit considered on its merits.
The Association in Defence of the Wrongly Convicted will hold a news conference in Toronto today -- the first International Wrongful Conviction Day -- to draw attention to the case.
Phillion was convicted of second-degree murder in 1972 in the death of Ottawa firefighter Leopold Roy based on a confession he recanted almost immediately.
The federal government ultimately referred the case to the Ontario Court of Appeal, which quashed his conviction and ordered a new trial in 2009.
The Crown then withdrew the charge, arguing too much time had passed to try him again.
