Rob Ford friend's search warrant documents ordered released

An Ontario Superior Court judge has ordered the release of select portions of information that police used to obtain search warrants in the arrest of Alessandro (Sandro) Lisi, Toronto Mayor Rob Ford’s friend and occasional driver.

CBC's John Lancaster reported Wednesday the judge has ordered the release of the information "forthwith."

It's unclear when the information will be released, though sources tell Lancaster some media outlets may get unredacted portions of the information on Wednesday or Thursday.

Earlier this month, Lisi, described by Ford as a friend, was arrested and charged with the possession and trafficking of marijuana, conspiracy to commit an indictable offence and possession of the proceeds of crime.

After the arrest, Ford defended Lisi as "a good guy" who is "straight and narrow."

Lawyers for media outlets, including the CBC, have been shown the 480-page document, but the information could not be released ahead of the judge's ruling.

Lancaster reported that the media will receive about 320 pages of information they can publish and broadcast. The rest will remain redacted pending further arguments.

Ford was asked Wednesday about the judge's ruling, but said he could not comment because the matter was before the courts. 

Ford's relationship with Lisi and other associates has been at issue since this spring, when the Toronto Star and the U.S. website Gawker reported that someone tried to sell them a video that allegedly shows Ford smoking crack cocaine.

Ford has denied the video exists and has said he does not use crack cocaine.  

It was learned last week that Ford wrote a character reference for Lisi, who has a previous conviction for threatening to kill his girlfriend.