By: Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 23/2/2011 (4111 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.
A Winnipeg man accused of a deadly home invasion claims he is exempt from Canadian law, is being illegally held in custody and should be freed from jail immediately.
Bradley Campbell appeared in court Wednesday to announce he has fired his lawyer and will represent himself on charges including second-degree murder and conspiracy to commit robbery.
"Domestic law is not applicable to Indians," Campbell told Queen's Bench Justice Chris Martin. "I'm being held captive in a foreign court under duress." Campbell insists he is not suffering any mental illness, and no concerns were raised by the Crown. Campbell launched a long, rambling monologue, citing numerous treaties dating back to the early 1800s.
"I want to stay the charge so I can leave this court. Is that going to be a possibility?" Campbell asked.
"No," replied the judge.
"Alright, I already knew that. Is there a reason this court doesn't follow the rule of law?"
Campbell then accused several justice officials, including prosecutor Tim Chudy, of committing "treason." He also bemoaned the current state of the legal system.
"This court has gone backwards since 1965. If it was innocent until proven guilty, then I wouldn't be here," he said.
Martin asked why he has chosen to proceed without the help of a lawyer, saying, "I think one can help you out tremendously."
"I thought a lawyer's job is to get me free. I'm still here, so obviously it's not working," Campbell replied.
Campbell was arrested last year for his alleged role in the April 2010 death of Ricky Lathlin. The 34-year-old died after an early-morning stabbing on Gilbert Avenue. Five men are accused in the homicide, which began with a plot to steal from Lathlin. None of the allegations has been proved.
Campbell is set for a preliminary hearing on the charges later this year and insists he will act as his own counsel.
www.mikeoncrime.com
Mike McIntyre
Sports columnist
Mike McIntyre grew up wanting to be a professional wrestler. But when that dream fizzled, he put all his brawn into becoming a professional writer.
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