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SOMBA K'E/YELLOWKNIFE - A 20-year-old woman was given a total fine of $1,380 and a one-year driving ban in territorial court last week.

The woman was charged after an incident on Nov. 7, 2008 when she was caught driving a truck "at a high speed" in downtown Yellowknife, said Chief Judge Brian Bruser during sentencing. He reviewed the facts of the case, stating the truck passed over the centre line and almost went onto the curb.

RCMP stopped the woman and asked her to roll down the window. After she did not comply, the officer opened the door. Her lower of two breathalyzer readings was two-and-a-half times the legal limit.

"All of this looks like a potentially dangerous set of facts," said Bruser.

"This really scared me straight," said the woman, who pleaded guilty to the charge and has no past criminal record. "I'm just glad this is going to be resolved and that I didn't hurt anyone, including myself."

New development in murder case

Crown prosecutor Mike Himmelman told territorial court on March 31 there had "been a development" in regards to the charge of second-degree murder in the case of Doris Kendi.

She was charged with the death of her sister, Lorraine Bonnetplume, on June 27, 2008. Himmelman did not disclose what the development was, but requested the matter be set to April 14 and Kendi be present for the hearing. The request was granted by Judge Christine Gagnon.

Mental assessment requested, but may not happen

An inmate who reportedly refuses to co-operate with a defence attorney appointed to him may get a mental assessment.

Defence attorney Garrett O'Brien said the man, charged with sexual assault and breach of court conditions, has "refused my assistance."

When Judge Christine Gagnon asked if O'Brien felt the accused needed a mental assessment, O'Brien replied, "yes ... the issue of fitness should be explored here."

Crown prosecutor Mike Himmelman said it may not be possible to get him a mental assessment for a while, since the accused would have to be sent to a hospital in Edmonton, which currently does not have openings. The matter was adjourned to April 22 to be addressed further. The accused will remain in jail.