A Yorkton couple accused of sexually assaulting minors has been granted time to secure representation after both their defence attorneys withdrew from their cases.
Mervin and Nicole Keller appeared in Yorkton Provincial Court October 5.
The lawyers sought leave to withdraw citing a lack of communication and lack of payment.
Mervin explained that he had been unable to raise the funds to pay for his lawyer, but wished to seek an adjournment to seek new counsel. He said he did not qualify for legal aid.
The Crown opposed the adjournment on the basis that further delay would jeopardize the prosecution’s case based on the defendants’ Charter right to a speedy trial.
While granting the lawyers leave to withdraw, given the severity of the charges, Judge Ross Green sought to put the defendants on the course of obtaining court-appointed counsel by having them waive delay.
The accused did not understand so Brian Smith, a Saskatoon lawyer in court on another matter offered to help as a friend of the court.
When the Kellers returned they waived delay.
Green outlined the steps they needed to take, which was to apply for legal aid, appeal it if denied, then if again denied, apply to have court-appointed counsel.
A preliminary hearing is scheduled for February 23. The judge said he expects the couple to have made every attempt to secure counsel by then.
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