(File photo/paNOW Staff)

By Nigel Maxwell

Arson cases

No trial for Senator Allen Bird Memorial Centre arson case

May 15, 2023 | 10:53 AM

A young woman accused of setting the fire that destroyed the Senator Allen Bird Memorial Centre in Prince Albert, will not be facing trial.

Instead Gina Beatty’s lawyer Gordon Kirkby has indicated plans to enter guilty pleas and make an application for a sentencing circle. That discussion was part of a short hearing Monday morning at Prince Albert Provincial Court.

A sentencing circle, if granted, would essentially consist of a group of community members representing both the victim and the accused.

On the morning of April 15, 2022, the Prince Albert Fire Department was called to the Senator Allen Bird building, and at least two trucks were observed hosing water on the roof on the south side of the building. Despite all efforts, the building was a total loss.

Beatty, 25, was overheard during her first court appearance, asking the judge what would happen if she were to plead guilty at that time. The judge strongly encouraged her to get the legal advice of a lawyer.

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Fast forward seven months, and not guilty pleas were entered. Outside the courthouse, Beatty’s mother told paNOW her daughter had been absolutely and utterly ‘out of it’ at time of her arrest, adding her daughter had completely spiraled out of control and meth and fentanyl were found in her bloodstream.

While Beatty was initially granted bail last May, she was arrested again weeks later for breaching one of her court conditions related to alcohol. As of Monday, she was still in custody. The case is back in court on May 31.

The day prior to the fire, Prince Albert Grand Council (PAGC) had distributed 1,500 Easter hampers for families in need. In addition to hosting events for the PAGC such as assemblies, round dances, the fine arts festival, the building was also used by local community clubs.

PAGC Grand Chief Brian Hardlotte said he wants to see the structure rebuilt, but acknowledged the cost to do so will be high. Just the cost of clearing the site was about half a million dollars.

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nigel.maxwell@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @nigelmaxwell