Andrew Raven
Northern News Services

Yellowknife (Aug 12/05) - A Yellowknife woman facing two drug trafficking charges blew bubbles in the face of the justice system Tuesday morning.

Standing in front of territorial court Chief Judge Brian Bruser, Julie Mackienzo committed a cardinal courtroom sin: with pursed lips she inflated a piece of bubblegum while Bruser spoke.

"How would you like it if I blew bubbles at you?" Bruser asked. "We could play a game (and) see who blows the biggest bubble."

The bubble was a breach of courtroom etiquette - an informal code that prohibits among other things, sleeping, talking, hugging and reading a newspaper.

Mackienzo was making her seventh court appearance since being arrested in January 2005 on three drug charges, including possession of cocaine and marijuana for the purposes of trafficking.

Another man, Michael Fraser, appeared with Mackienzo on similar charges. Neither had a lawyer despite the fact that convictions for trafficking-related charges can attract stiff prison sentences.

While Bruser was explaining their legal options, Mackienzo blew the offending bubble. Later, Mackienzo appeared to nearly fall asleep in the courtroom.

'Had a bad night'

"Looks like you had a bad night," Bruser said.

Mackienzo and Fraser will have a preliminary hearing - a process that will determine if they stand trial in Northwest Territories Supreme Court - sometime in the fall.

In addition to the trafficking related charges, Mackienzo and Fraser face one count each of possession of the proceeds of crime. Mackienzo also received a traffic ticket to which she pleaded not guilty.

Fraser said he planned to act as his own lawyer while Mackienzo said she would likely apply to Legal Aid for a public defender.