A photo taken at the time of the fire last Friday. (File photo/ paNOW Staff)

By Nigel Maxwell

Court proceedings

‘What if I just plead guilty right now’: Alleged arsonist makes first court appearance

Apr 19, 2022 | 11:00 AM

A woman accused of setting a fire that destroyed Prince Albert’s Senator Allen Bird Memorial Centre, told a judge she did not want a lawyer, and was observed sitting in the prisoner’s box, talking to herself.

Gina Pearl Beatty, 24, appeared in person Tuesday morning at Prince Albert Provincial Court. In addition to the arson charge, she also faces one count of assault, from a separate incident that also happened last Friday.

After the two charges were read to her, Beatty was asked by Judge M. Gray, if she understood. She replied she did.

Following the Crown’s acknowledgement that they were opposed to Beatty’s release, judge Gray then asked a court worker if Beatty had legal representation. The court worker replied Beatty opted to self-represent. The judge then turned to Beatty and informed her she was facing some very serious allegations.

“What if I just plead guilty right now,” Beatty said.

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Judge Gray then made another attempt to get through to Beatty.

“I would strongly recommend you get the advice of a lawyer,” she said. “Miss Beatty I’m not sure you understand the jeopardy you are facing.”

To which then Beatty replied she did, and began to explain how her father was an RCMP officer. She continued talking but her words could no longer be comprehended from the gallery.

In the end, Beatty was remanded to Wednesday morning at 9:30 a.m. Judge Gray noted she would recommend Legal Aid speak to Beatty before then.

Friday morning, around 8:30 a.m., the Prince Albert Fire Department was called to the Senator Allen Bird Centre, and at least two trucks were observed hosing water on the roof on the south side of the building.

The building however was a total loss. There were no injuries, and the fire did not spread.

In addition to being a gathering place for First Nations leaders, the gym also hosted a number of community events including a fine arts festival, round dances, sports tournaments, and other community group meetings.

The day prior to the fire, the site was used to distribute 1,600 Easter hampers for families in need.

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nigel.maxwell@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @nigelmaxwell