A trial date has been set for a Corner Brook woman charged with assaulting a man on two occasions, even though there’s still some work to do on getting her legal representation.
Samantha Piercey appeared in provincial court in Corner Brook on Thursday morning.
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The charges against her include two counts of assault with a weapon, assault, assault causing bodily harm, uttering threats to damage or destroy property, mischief to property valued at less than $5,000 and six breaches of an undertaking.
The assaults occurred on Jan. 11 and April 4.
Piercey was denied bail on the charges last week.
Since the latest charges were filed she has been represented by John Noseworthy, acting as duty counsel. Noseworthy is in private practice, but anticipates being appointed by Legal Aid to represent Piercey. Her matters have been deemed a conflict for the Corner Brook office and for the court.
During Thursday’s appearance, Noseworthy said he expects to have confirmation of his status as counsel early next week.
In the meantime, he has asked Crown prosecutor Erin Matthews, who appeared via court call from St. John’s, for disclosure in the case and for the Crown’s position on sentencing to see if the matters can be resolved without a trial.
Matthews said she is working on the Crown’s position and noted police are still conducting interviews in relation to the charges.
Judge Harold Porter of Grand Bank has been seized with hearing the case and up to now has appeared via videoconference.
Should the matter go to trial, Porter said, it’s his intention to travel to Corner Brook to hear it.
Given the nature of the charges and the fact Piercey is in custody, Porter didn’t want to set the matter over for too long and suggested setting trial dates for a time he was available.
After checking with the court clerk, June 4-6 was booked. If a trial is not required, Porter said, the clerk can be notified and the matter brought forward at an earlier date.
The matter will be called again on May 3, when Noseworthy should have the information he is seeking from the Crown and confirmation of his status.
