Logistics challenges plague vigilantism case
Some lawyers for nine members of Welmukotuk (Oromocto) First Nation say they’re unavailable for July preliminary-inquiry dates, but judge says they’ll have to accommodate
The unwieldy nature of a prosecution against nine co-accused arising from an alleged instance of vigilantism at the Welamukotuk (Oromocto) First Nation was painfully apparent Monday.
Multiple defence lawyers appeared in Fredericton provincial court to schedule a preliminary inquiry in a case alleging a break-in and assaults April 29 in the indigenous community in Oromocto.
Accused of breaking into the home of Sonya Atwin and assaulting her and Anthony Shane O’Blenis are Welamukotuk Chief Shelley Marie Sabattis, 56; her son and band councillor Allan J.W. Sabattis-Atwin, 36; his husband, Shawn Sabattis-Atwin, 43; the chief’s daughter, Desirae Moon Stevens, 24, and another son, Drae Stevens, 20; the chief’s brothers, Nikia William Sabattis, 40, and Steven Robert Sabattis, 52; the chief’s niece’s partner, Aubrey Landry, 29; and Joel Berrios Jr., 36.
The jointly charged group have all elected to be tried in the Court of King’s Bench by judge and jury on charges, and the chief has also opted for a jury trial on a related count of obstruction of justice.