The hearing, expected to last two days, began Thursday morning in Saskatoon provincial court.
Published Jul 13, 2023 • 3 minute read
Dawn Walker was in Provincial Court in Saskatoon on July 13 for what was described by lawyers as a records proceeding. Walker is accused of child abduction and other charges. A trial is scheduled for November-December. (Rob O’Flanagan/Saskatoon StarPhoenix) Photo by Rob O’Flanagan/Saskatoon StarPho /jpg
A hearing at Saskatoon provincial court began on Thursday to determine whether an application will be allowed from lawyers for Dawn Walker, a Saskatchewan woman accused of kidnapping a child and fleeing to the U.S., to obtain records they say will support their argument charges against her should be stayed.
Advertisement 2
This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below.
THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY
Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada.
Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Saskatoon StarPhoenix ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword.
SUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES
Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada.
Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Saskatoon StarPhoenix ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword.
REGISTER TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES
Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience.
Access articles from across Canada with one account. Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments. Enjoy additional articles per month. Get email updates from your favourite authors.
The hearing is centred on an application filed to the court on March 24, which seeks documents from third parties, including the Saskatoon Police Service, RCMP and Government of Saskatchewan.
Article content
Walker’s defence counsel had said in its application the records would help show Walker’s rights under the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms were violated enough to warrant a stay of proceedings. A stay essentially means a charge is withdrawn unless new evidence is brought forward within a year.
On Thursday, Walker and her legal counsel, lawyers for the third parties from whom records are sought, and Crown prosecutors were present. As previously reported, the StarPhoenix obtained the March 24 application, which the court has ordered sealed.
We deliver the local news you need in these turbulent times on weekdays at 3 p.m.
By clicking on the sign up button you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. You may unsubscribe any time by clicking on the unsubscribe link at the bottom of our emails or any newsletter. Postmedia Network Inc. | 365 Bloor Street East, Toronto, Ontario, M4W 3L4 | 416-383-2300
Article content
This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below.
Article content
Walker, 49, was initially charged with parental abduction in contravention of a custody order and public mischief by Saskatoon police soon after her arrest last summer.
After further investigation, she was charged with unlawfully procuring identity documents, forging a passport, providing a false statement in relation to a passport, possession of a forged passport, possession of forged documents, identity theft and identity fraud.
Last summer, Walker and a child were the focus of a two-week search that ended Aug. 5 when both were found safe in Oregon City, Ore. The child returned with a legal guardian to Saskatoon on Aug. 7.
Publication bans limit what can be reported in this case. In November, a provincial court judge clarified that publication bans pertain to any information that could identify two children related to the charges against Walker.
This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below.
Article content
Her name can be reported, as well as the fact that one of the minors is her child, “providing they are not otherwise publishing any information that could identify the victims.”
None of the allegations have been tested in court. Walker has pleaded not guilty to the charges.
A five-week trial has been scheduled to take place between Nov. 20 and Jan. 12, 2024 at Saskatoon provincial court.
Walker is currently free on bail and is subject to conditions including electronic monitoring. A publication ban is also in effect on evidence presented at the bail hearing and the judge’s reasoning for the decision.
She also faces charges in the U.S. of aggravated identity theft, a felony, and identity theft, a misdemeanour. She was returned to Canada after a U.S. District Court in Oregon consented to her release to Canadian law enforcement. The U.S. proceedings are on hold.
This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below.
Article content
Judge Bruce Bauer imposed an interim publication ban and sealing order relating to an affidavit filed to the court in this application.
The next scheduled court date related to the application is July 24.
Media can name Dawn Walker, woman accused kidnapping child and fleeing to U.S.
Lawyers for Dawn Walker request documents they say will prove Charter rights violations
Stories of the year: Dawn Walker faces charges in Canada and U.S. after disappearing with child
The Saskatoon StarPhoenix has created an Afternoon Headlines newsletter that can be delivered daily to your inbox so you are up to date with the most vital news of the day. Click here to subscribe.
Article content
>>> Read full article>>>
Copyright for syndicated content belongs to the linked Source : Saskatoon StarPhoenix – https://thestarphoenix.com/news/crime/hearing-underway-on-request-from-dawn-walkers-lawyers-for-records-they-argue-prove-charter-violations
