One month after firing a defence lawyer just as his murder trial was about to begin, Trevor Pardy is still looking for legal representation.
Pardy appeared in Newfoundland and Labrador Supreme Court in St. John’s Wednesday morning for an arraignment hearing.
Legal Aid lawyer Jason Edwards, who is not the solicitor of record, told Justice Wayne Dymond Pardy has three names he is considering at the moment, though he has yet to make a final decision.
Speaking directly to the judge, Pardy said in some cases there have been “financial issues” preventing him from obtaining legal counsel. He added finding a lawyer to handle his defence “is not something I want to jump into.”
Pardy’s last lawyer, Jeff Brace, was dismissed on Nov. 19.
At the time, Brace said he and Pardy had disagreements about the way to proceed with defending his case.
Brace’s dismissal resulted in the trial’s postponement and the dismissal of 12 jury members and two alternates.
Dymond implored Pardy to have a lawyer in place before his next appearance.
He said if he does not have counsel in place by then, the court “will have to take some measures to see where we’re going.”
Pardy was scheduled to return to court on Jan. 14, 2013, but Dymond said it is “not practical” to return so soon, given it will be hard to reach lawyers between now and then with holidays on the horizon. Pardy’s case will return to court on Feb. 1.
Pardy is accused of killing his former girlfriend, Triffie Wadman, on Oct. 1, 2011, in St. John’s. Wadman was treated for gunshot wounds at a hospital. She died from her injuries.
Pardy was taken into custody following a four-hour standoff with police. He was later denied bail and has remained in custody ever since.
He is charged with first-degree murder, using a firearm to commit a crime and possession of an unlicensed weapon (a handgun).
Pardy has pleaded not guilty to all three charges.
arobinson@thetelegram.com
Twitter: @TeleAndrew
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