Pubdate: Wed, 06 Apr 2016
Source: Lethbridge Herald (CN AB)
Copyright: 2016 The Lethbridge Herald
Contact:  http://www.lethbridgeherald.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/239
Author: Delon Shurtz
Page: A3

DEFENCE LAWYERS NOT IN CONFLICT OF INTEREST

A drug case that's been before the court for more than a year avoided
a major delay when a judge ruled that lawyers representing two
suspects would not have to withdraw.

Judge Eric Peterson said Tuesday during a hearing in Lethbridge
provincial court he could not find that a substantial conflict of
interest exists, even though the two lawyers, Robin McIntyre and
Andrea Urquhart, work for the same Calgary law firm.

Peterson ruled on the matter after the federal Crown prosecutor
applied to have the lawyers removed because of perceived conflict of
interest. But Peterson said he was satisfied the public's confidence
in the administration of justice would not be shaken, and the lawyers
could continue to represent their clients, [names redacted].

The case stems from a drug bust in January 2015 in which Alberta Law
Enforcement Response teams comprising Lethbridge regional police and
RCMP officers, swooped down on a home in the 700 block of 13 Street
South and reportedly seized 115 grams of cocaine, 400 grams of
marijuana and a glass container of hash oil, all worth about $15,000.

Police also found other drug paraphernalia, including scales and score
sheets, as well as $4,245 in cash, body armour vests, a 12-gauge
shotgun, and a semi-automatic Ruger .22-calibre rifle with a silencer
and stock modifications to allow for a higher capacity magazine.

Several people were charged in relation to the drug trafficking
operation. In addition to [names redacted], who are free on bail,
[name redacted] was also charged. He is serving a prison term on
an unrelated conviction.

The matter for all three men is scheduled to be back in court April
14, when lawyers may schedule a pre-trial conference. The case will
likely be adjourned again to schedule a preliminary hearing.
- ---
MAP posted-by: Matt