Judge 'very concerned' after accused serial rapist derails trial again by firing of lawyer
CBC
The trial for a man accused of raping vulnerable women in and around the Calgary area has been derailed after he fired his lawyer a second time.
Richard Mantha, 60, faces 20 charges alleging he drugged and raped women, most of whom he met through their work in Calgary's sex trade.
The charges include kidnapping, administering noxious substances, forcible confinement and sexual assault with a weapon.
On Wednesday, Mantha, whose ability to speak has been affected by a recent stroke, provided a handwritten letter to his lawyer that was purportedly written by a fellow inmate.
The letter indicates Mantha's desire to fire his lawyer and for a new lawyer from Lethbridge to step in.
After firing his first set of lawyers mid-trial back in January, Mantha's trial was set to resume in November.
Justice Judith Shriar called Wednesday's development "an unexpected turn of events" and described it as unfortunate.
"This matter, for Mr. Mantha's sake and for the sake of the community, has to come to an end one way or another," said Shriar.
The judge expressed concern about the viability of the upcoming trial.
"I don't think I can prevent Mr. Mantha from discharging his lawyers," said Shriar. "I can't force that, even though I am very concerned about the delay."
Prosecutor Dominique Mathurin — who still has 26 witnesses to call, including two alleged victims — expressed frustration.
"It will derail everything in terms of potentially being able to start the trial on Nov. 18th," she said.
When Lethbridge lawyer Justin Dean appeared in court over video link, he confirmed the Crown's fears.
"I am not available for the currently scheduled trial date," said Dean.