Trial delayed for Lethbridge man already serving Federal prison time for 2018 west side shooting
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LETHBRIDGE, AB – A second trial for a Lethbridge man already serving time in a federal prison has been delayed because a key witness can not testify at this time.
34-year-old Robert John Sheppard was convicted of eight offences in July 2019, including carrying a concealed weapon and discharging a firearm with the intent to wound or maim. He was sentenced in August to six years in prison.
The latest charges against him include criminal harassment, attempted obstruction and intimidation in relation to his prior conviction. A half-day trial was scheduled to take place Tuesday morning after the Crown learned its key witness was in a rehab facility in Calgary and not able to attend for fear of losing his spot in the facility.
The defense argued the witness had been subpoenaed, and therefore there was no excuse for the man not to appear in court. The judge however, disagreed. The subpoena will be re-issued, along with a witness warrant to ensure the man appears in the future.
