Iglulik man charged in homicide storms out of video conference
Court proceedings interrupted so judge could take another call
Michele LeTourneau
Northern News Services
Published Monday, December 22, 2014
IQALUIT
Court was not running smoothly when Steven Akittirq of Iglulik, charged with first-degree murder in the death of 17-year-old Glenna Attagutalukutuk, appeared yet again via video conference Dec 16.
Akittirq has appeared before the court via video conference while being held at the Baffin Correctional Centre (BCC) several times since he was charged June 12 after Attagutalukutuk's body was found outside the community June 9. Most of the delays have been due to incomplete disclosure, although on Sept. 30 his case was adjourned because his lawyer, Laura Steven, was appointed to the provincial court in Edmonton as a judge.
Defence lawyer Alison Crowe had just begun informing Justice Robert Kilpatrick Dec. 16 that she had yet to receive DNA evidence and autopsy photographs from the Crown, when proceedings were interrupted by a call from the Brandon Correctional Centre in Manitoba on another matter.
"We could defer to that person, if you wish," said Crowe.
The judge proceeded with the call but by the time the court's attention was returned to Akittirq, he was no longer in the video room at BCC. The guard informed the court that Akittirq was "very upset" the other matter was being heard and "he just stormed out."
Kilpatrick addressed the defendant's April charges of simple possession of cannabis and common assault, as well as new charges of common assault on correctional officer Philip Coles and assault with a weapon, identified as a chair, stemming from an incident Oct. 1 at BCC.
Crowe suggested the April and October charges should follow the murder charge in the court process.
"The homicide matter, if it's going through a prelim and trial as they often do, will likely be well into 2016 by the time we get to it," said Kilpatrick, and questioned whether it was "in anyone's best interests to delay the other matters that long."
Crowe agreed, saying, "If he's on remand he should at least be able to serve some sentences."
Crown prosecutor Amy Porteous informed the court that "the lab expects to finish processing the DNA early in the new year."
Akittirq's next court appearance is scheduled for Feb 2.
Addressing Crowe, Kilpatrick wrapped up proceedings by saying, "I would like you to apologize on behalf of the court for the unfortunate interruption. We don't control incoming calls. They just arrive on us. It was unfortunate. No disrespect was intended to Steven."
