It was rather quick compared to previous appearance, but now dates for trial have been set.
Blair Hinkley was in Ponoka Provincial Court on Sept. 15 and entered pleas of not guilty on all the charges he faces from two separate incidents in June 2016. He appeared alone in front of Judge J.D. Holmes, but did have a list of dates his lawyer — Stacey Purser from Edmonton-based Liberty Law — would be available.
Hinkley hoped to have one trial on all the charges, however Judge Holmes explained that two different trials would be necessary on separate dates.
“The two trials need two different judges and to do that they need to be on different dates,” the judge told Hinkley.
“This is in order to ensure that neither case is prejudiced should you decide to testify and the judge hear something that could come into play in the other trial.”
Both trials will be in Ponoka Provincial Court with the first set for May 8, 2018 to deal with the most serious charges including assault with a weapon, assault and two fail to comply with conditions charges. The second trial is scheduled for May 11 and involve charges of resisting a peace officer, breach of conditions and failing to comply with conditions.
Judge Holmes did add that one or both cases can be brought forward should something come up or a resolution is being sought.