Greg Fertuck wants new chance at bail while he awaits outcome of trial
A man accused of murder said he has been behind bars at the Saskatoon Correctional Centre for the last 1,310 days and is only allowed out three hours each day.
“It’s inhumane treatment,” Greg Fertuck told court on Monday, during a case management hearing.
Fertuck has been on remand since he was charged with first-degree murder in 2019.
Fertuck is accused of shooting his estranged wife Sheree Fertuck at a gravel pit near Kenaston, Sask. Sheree’s body has never been found.
A person is put on remand when they are charged with an offence, but not yet convicted.
In an effort to be released from custody, Fertuck had a bail hearing in 2020, but there was no conclusion. It was adjourned indefinitely by the request of his own lawyers.
Fertuck later made complaints about his lawyers, behind their backs, to the Law Society of Saskatchewan. As a result, they withdrew from the case.
Now, with Fertuck representing himself, Justice Richard Danyliuk said he’s welcome to submit a new bail application.
“If you want to bring an application to be released, pending the outcome of your trial, you are free to do that,” the judge told Fertuck, who stood in the prisoner’s box.
Danyliuk said he “appreciates this is frustrating” for Fertuck, but said it’s important to respect the justice system process.
Fertuck’s trial began over a year ago.
“I’m generally a patient person, but even my patience is wearing a bit,” the judge said.
As Fertuck has chosen to go without a lawyer and represent himself, an independent lawyer will be appointed as an amicus curiae — a “friend of the court” — to provide insight when needed.
The terms of the amicus curiae will be put in writing by the judge in the next 10 days.
Danyliuk still needs to decide whether statements Fertuck made to undercover officers can be used as evidence in the case.
The crown has made its submissions, but none have been filed by the defence.
The admissibility ruling is scheduled for April 28.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Several flight attendants from Pakistan have gone missing after landing in Canada
Multiple flight attendants from Pakistan International Airlines have abandoned their jobs and are believed to have sought asylum in Canada in the past year and a half, a spokesperson for the government-owned airline says.
BREAKING Ottawa public school board, 3 Toronto-area school boards launch lawsuit against social media giants
The Ottawa-Carleton District School Board and three school boards in the Toronto-area have launched legal action against social media giants, accusing them of "disrupting students' fundamental right to education."
Doctors visiting a Gaza hospital are stunned by the war's toll on Palestinian children
An international team of doctors visiting a hospital in central Gaza was prepared for the worst. But the gruesome impact Israel’s war against Hamas is having on Palestinian children still left them stunned.
Crypt near Marilyn Monroe and Hugh Hefner could fetch US$400,000 at auction
A one-space mausoleum crypt in the vicinity of Marilyn Monroe and Hugh Hefner will go on auction Saturday, when it is expected to reach between US$200,000 and $400,000.
This Toronto restaurant is no longer accepting tips. Here's how it's going
A Toronto restaurant introduced a surprising new rule that reduced the cost of a meal and raised the salaries of staff – tipping is no longer accepted.
A Nigerian woman reviewed some tomato puree online. Now she faces jail
A Nigerian woman who wrote an online review of a can of tomato puree is facing imprisonment after its manufacturer accused her of making a “malicious allegation” that damaged its business.
Premiers not being truthful about carbon tax, Trudeau says while sparks fly in Ottawa
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau says Conservative premiers across the country are 'not telling the truth' when it comes to the carbon tax. Trudeau's comments came as fresh sparks were flying in Ottawa at a recalled House of Commons committee.
Far North police 'dispatch' polar bear stalking schoolyard
Police and local hunters in an Ontario Far North First Nation community have “dispatched” a polar that was showing abnormal behaviour and treating the area as a hunting ground.
What new auto insurance reforms will mean for Ontarians, if they get introduced
Ontario has among the highest rates for auto insurance premiums in Canada -- just below Alberta and Nova Scotia -- however, the introduction of an insurance reform in the provincial budget could soon lower prices.