Accused getting one more chance to appear in court
TWO CHARGED WITH ASSAULT DURING STANDOFF
Two men accused of assaulting a police officer during a standoff outside a westside residence more than a year ago have been given one more chance to attend court or they’ll be arrested.
Brian Fulljames and Forrest Jensen were scheduled to be in Lethbridge provincial court Friday, but when they didn’t appear Fulljames’ lawyer explained the two accused couldn’t afford to travel from Ontario where they are now living.
Lawyer Greg White told court a request by Fulljames for financial assistance had been denied by an Ontario financial assistance program, but he had appealed and was waiting for a response.
The two accused were set to stand trial in February on charges of assaulting a police officer and resisting a police officer — Fulljames also faces two counts of uttering threats to cause death or bodily harm — but they had been unable to return from Ontario then, as well.
Judge Gerald DeBow agreed to give the men one more chance to attend court May 4 or the warrants that were ordered but held Friday, would be released.
Following Friday’s hearing, White said Fulljames is considering a resolution proposal from the Crown, which may be addressed during the next court hearing. If the proposal is rejected, the accused may decide to set another trial date. Jensen, meanwhile, is still without a lawyer. Fulljames, 29, and Jensen, 20, were charged following a standoff Feb. 10, 2017, which occurred after an officer went to a residence in Dalhousie Court to arrest a man on outstanding warrants. Police reported that a suspect was being placed under arrest when he began struggling with the officer.
The officer drew his firearm when another man in the home grabbed a knife and moved toward the officer. The man slid several knives across the floor to his friend, who said he was going to get a gun and ran into another room.
The officer left the residence and waited for backup. Police cordoned the area off and, after four hours, took the men into custody.
White subsequently told reporters that police acted improperly because the police officer entered the house without a warrant. White also claimed the officer lied to Jensen and Fulljames when he told them he had a warrant in his car.