NORTH BATTELFORD – A 32-year-old man who was charged after a dangerous persons alert was issued for Witchekan Lake First Nation in September wants a jury trial.
Shane Norman Witchekan’s attendance in North Battleford Provincial Court was waived Thursday. Court heard that Witchekan wants a preliminary hearing to determine if there is enough evidence for him to stand trial on 12 charges including robbery with a firearm, careless use of a firearm, and possession of a prohibited firearm with ammunition.
Those charges stem from incidents in September when Spiritwood RCMP issued a dangerous persons alert after shots were fired at a vehicle.
A two-day preliminary hearing is scheduled to start April 26, 2023, in North Battleford Provincial Court with case management on Feb. 23, 2023.
Defense Blaine Beaven told the court there's a potential for a bail hearing. Crown Kofi Nkruman-Young is prosecuting the case and has opposed Witchekan's release.
Court heard that Witchekan also faces charges of possession of a weapon while prohibited, possession of drugs for the purpose of trafficking, and driving while prohibited. On those charges, he made his first appearance in Ahtahkakoop First Nation circuit court on Oct. 12. Judge Ian Mokuruk adjourned those charges to Nov. 24 to be spoken to in North Battleford Provincial Court.
The charges against Witchekan haven’t been tested in court.
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