This afternoon, Justice Wayne Dymond accepted lawyer Bob Simmonds' application to be removed as David Folker's lawyer.
John Duggan of the Legal Aid Commission was in court and told the judge he had spoken with Folker about retaining new counsel.
The case was set over to Nov. 1, at which time an update on counsel and whether or not the trial dates can remain, will be determined.
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(Earlier story)
Lawyer Bob Simmonds is asking the Newfoundland Supreme Court to allow his law firm to withdraw from representing David Folker, the 41-year-old man accused of murdering his girlfriend Ann Marie Shirran in 2010.
In court today, Simmonds told the judge his request is for "professional and private reasons."
However, Simmonds made it clear that it had nothing to do with Folker. He called him "a model client," who has adhered to bail conditions and was always reachable.
If his firm continued to represent him, Simmonds said, it would "cause very grave difficulties for us."
The case will be called again this afternoon, when Justice Wayne Dymond is expected to make a decision about the issue.
Folker's 32-year-old girlfriend disappeared July 18, 2010, and was reportedly last seen at the Kilbride home she shared with Folker and their young son.
He reported her missing. An extensive search was conducted, but it wasn’t until Sept. 2, 2010 that Shirran’s body was found by campers in the woods south of Cappahayden.
You can spell it, but apparently don't know what it means.