Hatchet Lake’s Change Of Venue Request Turned Down
Monday, December 15, 2008 at 13:42
A trial for a band accused of polluting a northern lake will take place in La Ronge.
On Friday in Saskatoon, a judge denied a request by the Hatchet Lake First Nation to have the trial heard in Wollaston.
The band had argued it would be extremely expensive for witnesses to fly to La Ronge for the matter — and members of the court would benefit by actually seeing the place where the offence was alleged to have taken place.
In 2006, 6,000 litres of diesel spilled into Welcome Bay.
A 12-year-old boy was charged with mischief, but earlier this year, the band was charged as well.
Band councillor Ed Benonie says he’s disappointed with the ruling, but he hasn’t given up hope that some aspect of the trial will be held in his community.
A pre-trial hearing will take place in La Ronge on Friday.