Sitting behind his elevated bench, Federal Court Judge Simon Noël leaned back in his large leather chair, swivelled it so he was facing the man Canada suspects of being a terrorist, peered at him over his glasses and asked, "Why should the court trust you?"

With that, Adil Charkaoui, who was taking the stand for the first time since being detained almost two years ago, made a heartfelt plea to the judge so he could be reunited with his family, including his two young children.

"It's not in my interest not to respect the conditions of release," said the clean-cut 31-year-old. "I will respect them, no matter what they are."

Noël has refused Charkaoui bail three times, but Monday said that perhaps this time he could release him if he decides the danger the Moroccan-born Montrealer poses has neutralized with time.

He said he hoped government lawyers as well as the defence could reach a concensus on the bail conditions and that they'd all "be on the same path."

"But I'm prepared to follow the road alone if it's in the interest of justice," he said, refusing to specify how long he'd take to render a decision.

The Gazette is following this story. Please see Tuesday's newspaper for complete coverage.

© Montreal Gazette 2005