Cara Loverock
Northern News Services
Published Friday, July 11, 2008

SOMBA K'E/YELLOWKNIFE - Two prisoners were charged with escaping from RCMP custody on Tuesday afternoon.

Benjamin Manuel was in court on three counts of breaking the terms of his release and Billy McNeely was facing 12 charges for various crimes, including robbery, assault and unlawful confinement.

Both men had appeared in court and were being held in the Yellowknife courthouse while awaiting a second appearance later that afternoon.

The two men now have an additional charge of escape from lawful custody and will appear again in court on July 29.

The prisoners were taken back to jail after the brief court appearance.

"I take it we're making sure these gentlemen don't try to go for another walk," commented Judge Peter Ayotte.

Man found with marijuana

A 29-year-old man pleaded guilty to a charge of possession of marijuana in excess of 30 grams after RCMP found the man wandering on a snowmobile trail while intoxicated. He was fined $1,035 by judge Ayotte.

He had "four separate baggies of marijuana" while on the trail near Old Airport Road, according to Crown prosecutor Sadie Bond.

She said the man had a total of 108 grams of marijuana in his possession and added that, when arrested, "he was not particularly polite to police."

The man's attorney, Hugh Latimer, said the man was planning a trip and had bought $1,200 worth of the drug in order to take with him.

"He lost the marijuana and he lost the money he used to pay for it," said Latimer.

Man demands trial date

A man in court on Tuesday to schedule his trial was upset when told his case may have to wait until a later date.

Daniel Lennie was in court to schedule a trial for two counts of failure to comply with a probation order and two counts of assault.

"I'm tired of these delays," said Lennie from the prisoner's dock.

He said he would represent himself if he had to, as he knew the legal system.

Judge Ayotte set Lennie's trial date for Aug. 12, with the warning that Lennie may or may not have an attorney, depending on availability.

"You're prepared to defend yourself?" said Ayotte.

Lennie affirmed he would be able to act as his own attorney.

"When you finish your book on the criminal justice system, send me a copy," said Ayotte.