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Lawyer Withdraws From Case Of Saskatchewan Man Who Admitted To Burning Woman

The Canadian Press, 11 Aug, 2015 12:44 PM

PRINCE ALBERT, Sask. — A Saskatchewan man who has pleaded guilty to assaulting and setting a woman on fire is looking for a new lawyer.

Leslie Black appeared in court today in Prince Albert as his lawyer, Adam Masiowski, withdrew from the case.

Masiowski told reporters outside court that legal aid will try to find a private lawyer for the case.

Marlene Bird was found badly injured in a parking lot outside a community centre in the city's downtown on June 1, 2014.

Bird was so badly burned in the attack that doctors were forced to amputate both her legs and she's also had several surgeries for skin grafts.

The case has been adjourned until Aug. 25.

During Black’s last court appearance, Masiowski told the judge that Black was denying some statement of facts and he was considering withdrawing from the case if a resolution could not be reached.

This is not the first time Black has been without a lawyer. In January legal aid lawyer Tara Lennox-Zepp also withdrew from the case.

On April 28, Black pleaded guilty to attempted murder. A psychiatric report was ordered before sentencing, which will be delayed because of the search for a new lawyer.

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