Offer withdrawn if steps not taken in Coaldale property case

By Delon Shurtz - Lethbridge Herald on March 15, 2022.

LETHBRIDGE HERALDdshurtz@lethbridgeherald.com

A Lethbridge man who was expected to resolve several criminal charges this week in Lethbridge provincial court, has instead parted ways with his lawyer.
Lethbridge lawyer Scott Hadford was permitted to withdraw as counsel for Gerald David Thurber, after court was told Friday that a conflict between the two had developed, effectively sending the matter back to the drawing board.
“There is nothing acrimonious between Mr. Thurber and Mr. Hadford, but a conflict has arisen that makes it so that Mr. Hadford cannot continue,” said lawyer Vincent Guinan, who acted as Hadford’s agent on Friday.
After lengthy resolution discussions between defence and the Crown, and cancellation of a trial scheduled for next week, Thurber, 53, was expected to resolve his charges last Monday. However, the matter was adjourned after Hadford told court there were issues with his client.
Crown Prosecutor Adam Zelmer pointed out Friday there had been pre-trial conferences and extensive resolution discussions, which resulted in the cancelation of the trial and a considerable reduction in charges. He warned Thurber that the early case resolution (ECR) deal made with Hadford will not be extended to the new lawyer if it is not accepted on the next court date.
“Mr. Thurber has the opportunity to still act on that ECR with the benefit of new counsel, but that will be withdrawn on the next appearance date if the matter does not resolve,” Zelmer said.
Thurber was facing nearly 50 charges, primarily for possession of stolen property. However, the charges were previously consolidated into four charges of possession of stolen property over $5,000, and one count each of possession of stolen property under $5,000, making or possessing identity documents, and drug possession.
Thurber was charged nearly two years ago after RCMP recovered stolen property they found in a Coaldale storage unit.
Coaldale RCMP, following up on information they received from a local business, searched the storage unit in June 2020 and discovered more than $100,000 worth of stolen property. Police reported the property was stolen from area break-ins or obtained by identity theft through fraudulent use of a credit card.
The stolen property included two cargo trailers,15 welders, a $9,000 wicker patio set, various power tools, air compressors, a snow blower, ladders, new light fixtures, generators and RV accessories. Most of the stolen property was returned to the owners.
Police said the offences were committed in several areas, including Bassano, Coaldale, Lethbridge County, Lethbridge and Taber.
The matter returns to court March 31 to allow time for the new lawyer to get up to speed on the case, and Zelmer suggested defence should be required to either resolve the charges that day or set a date for a new trial. Judge Paul Pharo agreed and told Thurber that a step must be taken.

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