by P.J. Harston
Northern News Services

NNSL (Feb 14/97) - The territorial court's chief judge has ordered a court clerk's drug trial to go ahead March 21.

Last week territorial court judge Michel Bourassa ordered a Crown and defence lawyer to contact chief judge Robert Halifax to set a new date for the Sally Look trial.

Look, 35, was charged with possession of narcotics for the purpose of trafficking following an RCMP raid on her home Nov. 21.

She pleaded not guilty to the charge at her first court appearance, Jan. 21. At that time said she wanted the charge to be dealt with as quickly as possible.

Halifax had previously decided on a March 21 trial, but Bourassa refused to schedule the case because a key Crown witness -- an RCMP member -- is on holidays at that time.

However, Bourassa relented on Tuesday despite renewed objections from the Crown.

A deputy judge from outside the NWT, as well as an Edmonton-based Crown lawyer, are required for the trial because of obvious potential conflicts.

Bourassa said the only other available time to hear the case is in May, which defence lawyer Richard Peach has objected to.

Look, a 10-year territorial court employee, has been suspended from her position with pay since first being charged, Nov. 21.