Regardless of a choose’s order, a former Calgary Stampeder and Saskatchewan Roughrider charged with voyeurism is not going to seem in a Calgary courtroom in particular person on Thursday — as a trial date has now been set for subsequent yr.
Operating again Jerome Messam had been ordered by Choose Sean Dunnigan to seem in particular person later this week to be able to guarantee a considerable step was taken within the case.
The choose had indicated he was annoyed after attorneys representing Messam had appeared in courtroom eight occasions with none substantial movement on the case.
However Messam’s Toronto defence lawyer, Gavin Holder, had the matter introduced right into a courtroom Tuesday as an alternative in order that his consumer didn’t must attend Thursday.
Messam performed for the Stampeders for nearly three seasons earlier than becoming a member of the Roughriders in February.
He was enjoying for the Stampeders in November 2016 when police allege a consensual sexual encounter was videotaped with out the girl’s consent.
Messam was launched from the Saskatchewan Roughriders workforce after expenses have been laid in July.
Final week, Holder had a Calgary responsibility counsel lawyer ask for a two-week adjournment regardless of a earlier order {that a} significant step be taken within the case.
Dunnigan stated the courtroom was “not impressed” that Holder had not communicated any causes for the delay request.
It was additionally stated on the report that Holder had arrange a cellphone assembly with assigned prosecutor Janice Walsh however by no means known as or rescheduled.
So, Dunnigan ordered Messam to seem in particular person on Thursday.
Holder introduced the case ahead Tuesday in entrance of Choose Bob Wilkins.
© Sean Kilpatrick/The Canadian Press
A trial date subsequent Might has been set for Jerome Messam, who was enjoying for the Calgary Stampeders when a consensual sexual encounter was allegedly videotaped with out the opposite particular person’s consent. He’s charged with voyeurism.
Talking with the media outdoors the courtroom, Holder stated of final week’s courtroom look: “It is unlucky that sure feedback have been made which have been inaccurate.”
Holder, who has been in a prolonged jury trial in Ontario, stated he was not trying to delay the method and felt the necessity to journey from Toronto to clarify in particular person why he had requested an adjournment.
“Backside line is I used to be in the midst of the jury trial and a message was mis-sent,” stated Holder. “I’m in fixed communication with the Crown and the method is underway.”
Messam can be in courtroom in Calgary subsequent March for a listening to on the admissibility of a press release he made to investigators.
His trial is now set for Might 2019.
“It is a very troublesome time for him,” stated Holder of his consumer. “He’s an upstanding member of the neighborhood and as a household man, this can be a troublesome course of.”
