Man involved in medical marijuana dispute tries to slit his throat during arrest

[Maine-ah]

http://new.bangordailynews.com/2011/05/06/news/bangor/man-involved-in-marijuana-use-case-tries-to-slit-his-throat-during-arrest/

BANGOR, Maine — A man who friends say tried to slit his own throat with a knife when he was arrested by police Wednesday has been ordered to be held in custody until federal officials can determine the extent to which he has violated his probation.

Jeffrey P. Barnard, 47, who has clashed with federal officials over his use of medical marijuana, was pushed in a wheelchair into U.S. District Court in Bangor on Friday morning. He was in court for a brief hearing on whether he wanted to continue being represented by defense attorney Marvin Glazier. Scratches were visible on Barnard’s neck and forehead, which his wife said stems from his arrest Wednesday in Machias, as he told Judge John Woodcock that he was scared of going back to jail.

“You threatened to throw me in a cell forever,” Barnard said, referring to a previous hearing. “I was scared.”

Woodcock clarified his prior comments to Barnard, saying he had neither the power nor inclination to sentence Barnard to life in prison.