LLOYDMINSTER – “The Crown is more lenient than I would be,” Judge Kim Young told 21-year-old Jesse Lewis Wednesday after he asked for another adjournment.
“These robbery charges are up for election,” said Judge Young, adding that Lewis has already appeared 12 times on these charges, which stem from February.
Lewis appeared in Lloydminster court by phone from the correctional centre and told the court that he was applying for legal aid.
The Crown prosecutor told the court that Lewis’ defence withdrew from representing him and he would agree to one more adjournment. In March, a lawyer representing Lewis told the court he was required to withdraw as defence for Lewis but didn’t provide the court with the reason.
Judge Young adjourned the matter to July 13.
"Get this show on the road. You’ve got a week to round up a lawyer then the court will enter an election for you.”
Lewis was arrested and charged with robbery with a restricted firearm, assault with a weapon, possession of property over $5,000 obtained by crime, failing to stop for a peace officer, carrying a weapon for the purpose of committing an offence, and dangerous driving.
According to Turtleford and Onion Lake RCMP, they received a report at about 5:30 p.m. on Feb. 1 that an armed man approached an individual in a business and stole their vehicle keys. The man fled the building and drove off with the vehicle. The victim wasn’t physically injured.
Police located the stolen vehicle on Highway 797, activated their emergency equipment, and attempted to pull the vehicle over. The driver didn’t stop and continued driving west. Police set up a spike belt and the vehicle was stopped. The driver fled on foot but police apprehended him after a brief chase.
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