Accused requests release despite refusing legal assistance

By Delon Shurtz - Lethbridge Herald on August 16, 2022.

LETHBRIDGE HERALDdshurtz@lethbridgeherald.com

A woman who was arrested and placed in custody after she failed to show up for her own trial earlier this year, declined an opportunity Monday to be released.

Judge F.C. Fisher asked the accused, Allison Christa Wiebe, if she wanted to have a bail hearing or talk with duty counsel, but she refused.

“No, I’m just trying to get home,” she said. “I just need you to tell them, ‘let her go home.’ “

Wiebe is charged with one count of uttering threats to cause death or bodily harm and two counts of failing to comply with a probation order. She previously pleaded not guilty and was set to stand trial on May 2. When she failed to attend her trial, a warrant was issued and she was arrested Aug. 5.

When Fisher asked why she never showed up for trial, Wiebe claimed it was a lie.

“They’re lying, it’s bulls–t,” she said. “They’re lying to you.”

She repeatedly said she’s just trying to get home, but rejected any help from a lawyer, including duty counsel.

“This is all a waste of everyone’s time. This is all in vain, all for nothing, I’m just trying to get home.”

Wiebe said she is not getting any help at the Lethbridge Correctional Centre where she is in remand custody, and they refuse to give her drugs.

“I’d like to get my dope shots today. They’re not helping me out here, they won’t give me my medicine. Who comes between an addict and their medicine? I don’t understand that for the life of me.”

After repeatedly refusing help, Wiebe was returned to her cell and the matter was adjourned to Aug. 22, ostensibly to set a date for a new trial. The judge also ordered that a lawyer be appointed to cross-examine the complainant during the trial.

The order was granted under Section 486 of the Criminal Code, which prevents an accused person from personally cross-examining a witness if the judge believes it is necessary to “allow the giving of a full and candid account from the witness of the acts complained of or would otherwise be in the interest of the proper administration of justice.”

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