Legal aid denies suspect’s third application
Callum James McGraw, 37, of Bilijk First Nation, awaiting trial on May 2023 firearms charges, admits to several lesser offences, including breaches of release conditions
A Bilijk (Kingsclear) First Nation man who parted ways with two defence lawyers already won’t get a third kick at the can through legal aid, a court heard Wednesday.
Callum James McGraw, 37, of Geegan Street, appeared in Fredericton provincial court by telephone from jail Wednesday for an update on the status of various prosecutions against him.
He appeared in court a week ago, when defence lawyer Nelson Peters applied to be removed as counsel of record for the defendant. It marked the second time McGraw had had a falling out with lawyers assigned his case by Legal Aid New Brunswick.
McGraw previously pleaded not guilty to counts alleging he possessed a stolen rifle and shotgun in Taymouth; breached a court-ordered prohibition against possessing firearms; possessed the stolen weapons without a licence, and knowing he didn’t have a licence; possessed a stolen pellet gun, chainsaw and tool set; and was unlawfully at large, all on May 10, 2023.