(File photo/paNOW Staff)

By Nigel Maxwell

Court Proceedings

Woman accused in trailer court manslaughter case, makes plea to tell her side of the story

Nov 21, 2019 | 2:01 PM

For the second time since her arrest last July, a woman accused of manslaughter has changed lawyers.

Lucinda Smith, 46, is once again being represented again by Dale Blenner-Hassett, who she had fired after choosing a lawyer from Saskatoon. At a hearing Thursday morning, at Prince Albert Provincial Court, Kathy Hodgson Smith informed Judge Mary Macaulay, she was withdrawing her services and the file was back in the hands of Blenner-Hassett.

Smith was arrested July 28, in connection to the death of Dennis Hyman at the East View Trailer Court. There has been no indication in court regarding the relationship between the accused and the victim.

An RCMP vehicle outside the trailer where Hyman’s body was found. (Nigel Maxwell/paNOW)

Smith who was appearing Thursday via video from Pine Grove Correctional Centre, attempted to interrupt the proceedings when Hodgson Smith initially stood up for her. Smith was advised by Judge Macaulay to wait until after her new lawyer had a chance to speak.

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Minutes later, Smith, holding a letter in hand, told the judge she wished to tell her side of what happened, but Macaulay quickly cut her off and told her now was not the appropriate time to speak.

“You’re not supposed to speak yet because you are not at a trial yet,” she said.

The case was ultimately adjourned to Nov. 25, at which time a mental health assessment may be ordered for Smith, who has on several occasions in court discussed the desire to have one done.

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nigel.maxwell@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @nigelmaxwell