By Patrick Burles - @PatrickBurles on Twitter

Trial put on hold for co-accused in west side standoff

Feb 6, 2018 | 9:39 AM

LETHBRIDGE — A trial that was scheduled to begin for two men accused in a west side standoff last year will have to wait, as neither accused appeared in court Tuesday morning, Feb. 6.

Greg White, the lawyer representing Brian Fulljames, explained that his client and the co-accused, Forrest Jensen, have moved to Ontario. He told the court that Fulljames had applied to Ontario Works to arrange travel for him back to Alberta for the trial, but was denied. While it was left open to appeal, White said there wasn’t enough time to do so before today’s trial.

After hearing from White and with the Crown prosecutor asking for warrants for the two men — one to be held for Fulljames and the other to be issued for Jensen — the judge opted to hold both warrants for 60 days, meaning they will only be issued if the two accused don’t return to Alberta by April 6.

While only retained by Fulljames, White did address the court for Jensen, stating that he is currently unrepresented. He explained that after Jensen’s second lawyer withdrew from the case last summer, legal aid refused to help him retain a third one. White said he is now working with another local lawyer to help Jensen file a Rowbotham application, in an effort to get court ordered legal counsel.

Following the proceedings, White spoke to the media outside the courtroom, stating why they are intent on getting the matter to trial.

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“A police officer came into their house without a warrant to enter that house,” said White, adding that when the two men asked to see a warrant, the officer told him it was in the car.

“He just came in the house and tackled my client,” White continued.

When the co-accused return to Alberta — at a date that is still unknown — they will schedule the matter for a preliminary inquiry, which will determine if there is enough evidence for the case to proceed to trial.

On Feb. 10, 2017, Lethbridge Police attended a home along Dalhousie Court West to execute a warrant for a male.

They allege a man resisted arrest and brandished a knife, and because they believed there were additional weapons in the home, they withdrew and contained the suspect and another individual inside the residence.

After nearly four hours, both men surrendered to police without incident.

They were each charged with assaulting a peace officer and resisting arrest, while Fulljames alone was charged with uttering threats to cause death.

by Patrick Burles - @PatrickBurles on Twitter

Trial put on hold for co-accused in west side standoff

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