Case of rural Alberta landowner accused of shooting trespasser delayed again
'He has a right to have a trial in a timely manner,' says defence lawyer
The lawyer for a rural Alberta landowneraccused of shooting a trespasser says he is entitled to a speedy trialbut court delays are continuing to mount.
On Friday, the case was adjourned for more than a month because ofa delayed ballistics report.
Eddie Maurice was charged after a trespasser was shot on his rural property south of Calgary in late February.
The man he allegedly shot, Ryan Watson, is also facing a number of charges. A second person on the property during the incident, Stephanie Martens, has been charged as well.
For rural property owners, this case has become a lightning rod fortheir concerns about property rights and use of force.
RCMP report holds up proceedings
On Friday, Maurice was expected to enteraplea, but his lawyer,Tonii Roulston, asked for another adjournment because she's yet to be provided with a ballistics report she says is "integral" to deciding how they will proceed.
"We've been coming back and forth now for upwards of three months," she said.
Crown prosecutorJim Sawa told the Okotoks provincial court judgethat his team had trouble getting the reportfrom the RCMP, and had been told it could take eight to 12 months to be completed.
The judge agreed to adjourn the matter until June 22, at which point he said he "expects progress."
Right to speedy trial
Sawasaid that between now and then his office would be "reviewing" Maurice's case.
Roulston said progress would be welcomed.
"I'mhoping that when we come back,we have some sort of information whereby there may be some closure. At least we are setting a trial date," said the defence lawyer.
Roulstontold reporters that the adjournment would allow the Crown time to assess itsposition and give the defence and update on the report's timeline.
Roulston said, if necessary, they would rely on the Jordan decision where the Supreme Court of Canada decided that for charges within a specific range must be tried within 18 months of being laid.
"He has a right to have a trial in a timely manner and the Supreme Court of Canada has ruled on that quite directly," she said.
Outside of court, there were approximately 60 supporters ofMaurice. They were protesting his charges, some holding signs saying the justice system was broken, and others with banners signed by supporters who couldn't make it to the courthouse on Friday.
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