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
Widow looking for answers after Quebec man dies in Texas Ironman competition
The widow of a Quebec man who died competing in an Ironman competition is looking for answers.
Tom Mulcair: Park littered with trash after 'pilot project' is perfect symbol of Trudeau governance
Former NDP leader Tom Mulcair says that what's happening now in a trash-littered federal park in Quebec is a perfect metaphor for how the Trudeau government runs things.
World seeing near breakdown of international law amid wars in Gaza and Ukraine, Amnesty says
The world is seeing a near breakdown of international law amid flagrant rule-breaking in Gaza and Ukraine, multiplying armed conflicts, the rise of authoritarianism and huge rights violations in Sudan, Ethiopia and Myanmar, Amnesty International warned Wednesday as it published its annual report.
Photographer alleges he was forced to watch Megan Thee Stallion have sex and was unfairly fired
A photographer who worked for Megan Thee Stallion said in a lawsuit filed Tuesday that he was forced to watch her have sex, was unfairly fired soon after and was abused as her employee.
Amid concerns over 'collateral damage' Trudeau, Freeland defend capital gains tax change
Facing pushback from physicians and businesspeople over the coming increase to the capital gains inclusion rate, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and his deputy Chrystia Freeland are standing by their plan to target Canada's highest earners.
U.S. Senate passes bill forcing TikTok's parent company to sell or face ban, sends to Biden for signature
The Senate passed legislation Tuesday that would force TikTok's China-based parent company to sell the social media platform under the threat of a ban, a contentious move by U.S. lawmakers that's expected to face legal challenges.
Wildfire southwest of Peace River spurs evacuation order
People living near a wildfire burning about 15 kilometres southwest of Peace River are being told to evacuate their homes.
U.S. Senate overwhelmingly passes aid for Ukraine, Israel and Taiwan with big bipartisan vote
The U.S. Senate has passed US$95 billion in war aid to Ukraine, Israel and Taiwan, sending the legislation to President Joe Biden after months of delays and contentious debate over how involved the United States should be in foreign wars.
'My stomach dropped': Winnipeg man speaks out after being criminally harassed following single online date
A Winnipeg man said a single date gone wrong led to years of criminal harassment, false arrests, stress and depression.