Jimmy Melvin Jr. convicted of attempted murder linked to 2008 plot

Notorious Halifax crime figure Jimmy Melvin Jr. has been convicted of attempted murder and conspiracy to commit murder related to a 2008 plot to shoot and kill another well-known local crime figure.

A Nova Scotia Supreme Court jury was barely into its first full day of deliberations when it returned the guilty verdictsThursdaymorning.

The charges stem from an apparent plot to kill Terry Marriott Jr.in December2008. Marriott was not killed at that time,but was shot to death in a home inHarrietsfielda few months later.

Police have said the 2008 attempt wasn't reported at the time, but they learned of it during the investigation into Marriott'sshooting death in February 2009.

Melvin had stood trial this past summer on a first-degree murder charge in relation to Marriott's death butwas acquitted.

During his recent attempted murder trial, Melvin fired his lawyer, PatMacEwen. Melvinfinished the trial by representing himself.

The case is scheduled to returnto court next week, when dates for a sentencing hearing will be discussed.