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SOMBA K'E/YELLOWKNIFE - The NWT Power Corporation had its first court date Tuesday relating to one charge under the Fisheries Act. The charge pertains to a breach at a dike located at the Snare Forks hydro facility in 2006. The company was charged with depositing sediment in water frequented by fish.

The court appearance on Tuesday was brief. Deputy Judge Michel Bourassa granted a request by the Crown prosecutor for an adjournment. The Crown had asked the court for more time for discussion to take place with the defence lawyer.

The next court date for the company was scheduled for Dec. 16.

Defence attorney removed from case

A woman appearing in court to face three charges, including assault and failing to comply with conditions keeping her from serving a jail term, said she had been hallucinating while in cells. During her court appearance Tuesday, the woman requested to be hospitalized. She also said she did not wish to plead guilty after defence attorney Hugh Latimer entered guilty pleas on her behalf.

"I just cannot carry out her requests," said Latimer, who asked to be removed from the case.

Deputy Judge Michel Bourassa granted the request and set a date of Jan. 15 for trial.

"You're going to have to get another lawyer," Bourassa told the accused.

The charges stem from an incident on March 19, 2008. The woman, shaking in the courtroom Tuesday, asked whether pleading guilty would allow her to go to the hospital.

"I don't want anyone leaving court saying they pleaded guilty just so they can get it over with," said Bourassa.

Man charged with violent crime Edmonton bound

A man facing a charge of aggravated sexual assault was granted a request to live in Edmonton, despite previously being on a condition not the leave the NWT.

The man appeared in territorial court on Tuesday and was granted his request to reside in Edmonton by deputy Judge Michel Bourassa, given he provides the RCMP with his work schedule and reports to police twice weekly by phone.

A further request to hold a preliminary inquiry in May was denied.

"I'm not enthusiastic about putting this over until May at all," said Bourassa. Crown prosecutor Mike Himmelman said many of the Crown's witnesses would not be available until May.

"Six or seven months for a preliminary inquiry is almost unheard of," said Bourassa.

The next court date for the matter was scheduled for Dec. 2.