Coutts border blockade, February 2022. (Photo: The Canadian Press)

By The Canadian Press

Trial dates delayed for men accused in Coutts border blockade

Jun 13, 2022 | 1:17 PM

LETHBRIDGE, AB – Setting of trial dates for four men charged with conspiracy to commit murder at a border blockade in southern Alberta has been delayed another month after one of the accused fired his lawyer.

Court in Lethbridge was told today [Monday, June 13, 2022] that Chris Carbert dismissed his lawyer, so the case was adjourned until July 11, 2022.

Carbert and three others were among 14 people charged in February after RCMP found a cache of long guns, handguns, body armour, large amounts of ammunition and high-capacity magazines in three trailers at a protest near Coutts, Alberta.

Prosecutor Steve Johnston confirmed that he plans to proceed with direct indictments for all four men, which would eliminate the need for a preliminary hearing before trial.

Johnston also said he has received volumes of more evidence that is being shared with the defence.

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Three of the four accused have already been denied bail and will remain in custody until their trial.

The blockade was set up to protest COVID-19 vaccines and other pandemic restrictions.

(The Canadian Press)

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