Greg Fertuck is appealing for another chance to prove he didn't murder his wife
A Saskatchewan man sentenced to life in prison for murdering his wife is appealing for a new trial with a judge and jury.
In June, 70-year-old Greg Fertuck was found guilty of first-degree murder and offering an indignity to human remains in the death of his estranged wife Sheree Fertuck and sentenced to life in prison with no chance of parole for 20 years.
Now, he’s filed a notice with the Saskatchewan Court of Appeal that he intends to dispute his conviction and sentence.
According to the July 25 notice of appeal obtained by CTV News, Fertuck argues the “trial judge did not properly consider the evidence and only listened to the Crown’s argument.”
Fertuck was convicted on the basis of a confession he made to undercover officers in an elaborate “Mr. Big” sting, which he later told court he “made up.”
The trial itself was mired with delays and digressions, many of which were caused by Fertuck’s own erratic behaviour.
Fertuck’s lawyers quit part way through the trial because he went behind their backs to file a complaint about them to the law society.
After that, he opted to represent himself — against the advice of the judge.
The week before Justice Richard Danyliuk was scheduled to render the verdict in the case, Fertuck filed a last-minute application for a mistrial, and asked to reopen the trial to submit new evidence, part of which he later recanted and said he never intended to do.
In his notice of appeal, Fertuck said he intends to find a lawyer this time, rather than represent himself.
Following the application, the appeal court will get a hold of the trial transcripts to review — a tall order, given the length of proceedings.
Once the court has the transcripts, the Crown and Fertuck will get a deadline to submit their arguments to the panel of three appeal court justices.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Canadian woman dies after being caught in a sudden snowstorm in Italy's Dolomite mountains
A 56-year-old Canadian woman died after being caught in a sudden snowstorm in Italy’s Dolomite mountains and her companion was being treated for severe hypothermia, Italy’s Alpine Rescue Corps said Friday.
2 dead, third in critical condition after attack in Kingston, Ont., suspect arrested
Two people are dead and a third suffered life-threatening injuries following an attack at an encampment in Kingston, Ont., Thursday. A suspect has been arrested following a multi-hour standoff.
Health Canada bans common food additive found in some popular drinks. Here's why
In a move to safeguard public heath, Health Canada has officially banned the use of brominated vegetable oil (BVO) as a food additive. Here's what you need to know.
Landlord tried to convert 1-bedroom units into multiple rooms, Metro Vancouver tenants say
It was the loud construction and series of Amazon packages that tipped off a group of tenants living at a rental building in New Westminster, B.C.
Passenger ordered to pay more than US$5,000 in fuel costs after flight diverted due to bad behaviour
A problematic airline passenger has been hit with an unusual form of punishment – he has to pay back the airline for the cost of fuel.
Family of Sikh man speaks out against Toronto-area hospital after beard shaved
The family of a Sikh man from Brampton is seeking an apology, an explanation, and a promise to do better from the local hospital network after they say the facial hair of their loved one was removed without their consent.
Realtor fined by B.C. regulator after property photos digitally altered
A British Columbia Realtor has been fined thousands of dollars after a property listing was found to contain photos that were digitally altered to hide peeling paint and show furnishings that did not exist.
Trump rules out another debate against Harris as her campaign announces US$47M haul in hours afterward
Donald Trump on Thursday ruled out another presidential debate against Kamala Harris as her campaign announced a massive fundraising haul in the hours after the two candidates met on stage.
'Keep your bags packed': Consul general grilled over $9M NYC condo purchase
After weeks of pressure, Canada's consul general Tom Clark is testifying on Thursday before a House of Commons committee about the purchase of his new official residence in New York that generated a lot of political attention over the summer.