Greg Fertuck chooses to represent himself at 1st-degree murder trial after lawyers withdraw

Greg Fertuck, who is on trial for first-degree murder in connection with his estranged wife's death, has decided to defend himself in court,against theadvice of legal experts.

"I feel that I'm better off representing myself," Fertuck said at a case management hearing on Friday.

Fertuck is accused of shootingSheree Fertruckand hiding her body. Shedisappeared on Dec. 7, 2015, after heading to work at a gravel pit east of Kenaston, Sask. Her body has never been found.

Greg Fertuck was arrested in 2019, after he allegedly described themurder toundercover police officers, court has previously heard.

Justice Richard Danyliuk is presiding over the trial, whichbegan in 2021 at Court of King's Bench in Saskatoon.

Lawyers Morris Bodnar and Mike Nolin represented Fertuckforthe majority of the trial, butwithdrew from the case last month, after learning Fertuck had filed formal complaints against them withtheLaw Society of Saskatchewan apparently questioning their competence and ability to represent him.

Following that, thecourt appointed lawyer Brent Littleas independent legal counsel to help Fertuck find new representation a difficult taskgiven the complexity of the case and volume of evidence.

Little told Danyliuk on Friday that he hadnot been able to convince Fertuck to proceed with alawyer,despite his best efforts.

DanyliuktoldFertuckhe hasthe right to represent himself, butemphasizedthe valuable legal expertise of lawyers.

"I think it is incumbent on me to advise you that in a case such as this, it is my view that it would be highly advisable for you to proceed with a lawyer," the judge said.

High stakesfor Fertuck

Fertuck is presumed innocent unless theCrown can proveguilt beyond a reasonable doubt, but the consequences couldn't be higher for a man accused of murder, the judge warned.

"If convicted, it's a life sentence, and many people in many walks of life frequently mistake that with, 'Well, that's a 25-year sentencefor first-degree [murder],'" Danyliuk said.

"No. Itis in fact a life sentence. Twenty-five years is simply the period for which you are ineligible to apply for parole. Even if out, you are never free from conditions."

Fertuckremained steadfast in his choice.

Danyliuk ordered the court to send Fertuck a handbook for self-represented people, published by the Canadian Judicial Council, and toprovide the Crown's disclosure (the information prosecutors have on the case).

He said he was considering appointing anamicus curiae, or "friend of the court" an independent individualwho could offer legal guidance to Fertuckordraw attention to issues, evidence and case law that Fertuck might miss.

Fertuck was agreeable to the idea.

"[That] sounds like a very good suggestion, my lord," Fertuck said. "I'm under the impression that the truth never perishes. That's why I want to represent myself."

Danyliuksaid he believes in the justice system'sability to determine truth.

"At their core, trials remain quests for truth, so I think you and I are on the same page there," the judge said.

"That's what I'm after and that quest must be conducted through a process that is fair to all involved."

Judge still must decide onevidence

The Crown's evidence so far has been called within a series of voir dires essentially, trials within trials, typically held to determine the admissibility of evidence.

The evidence presented in those voir dires includes Greg's statements made to undercover officers during an elaborate operation, known asa "Mr. Big" sting a controversial tacticused to elicit information and confessions from suspects.

Danyliuk still needs to rule on what evidence from the voir dires will be applied to thetrial proper as evidence.

His ruling has been delayed several times, most recently because of Fertuck's representation issues. The lawyers were preparing to submit arguments on the voir dires when hiscomplaints came to light.

Fertuckhas been in jail, remanded to custody, since his arrest in 2019. He expressed frustration on Friday, saying his lawyers did not do enough to get him out on bailor address his allegations that undercover officers lied during theirtestimony.

"I'm an innocent victim who's been incarcerated for 21 hours a day, in a six by 10 I call it a dog cell for going on four years,"Fertucksaid on Friday.

The matter was adjourned until Dec. 20.