ATHABASCA — A man accused of several crimes last year, including some for theft, had those charges stayed but will remain in jail where he has been since his August 2021 arrest.
In Athabasca Provincial Court March 1, Judge Jeffery Champion was informed by Crown prosecutor Sandra Christensen-Moore the Crown was applying to stay the charges of theft against Marcel Gambler and proceed with charges of arson, mischief and resisting arrest.
“Mr. Gambler is self-represented and in the Edmonton Remand Centre so, for his benefit there were some theft allegations scheduled for trial this morning and they were stayed,” she said.
Gambler, who appeared via CCTV, asked about a March 7 trial date, but Judge Champion said he was only aware of the next trial date, May 2, for the charges of resisting arrest, arson, and two mischief charges.
“Are you going to continue representing yourself at trial,” Judge Champion asked the defendant, who confirmed that he was.
Christensen-Moore then made sure Gambler was aware he would be in jeopardy if found guilty.
“Mr. Gambler, the Crown is saying you stand the chance of a prison sentence if you’re convicted,” Judge Champion said. “And the trial will go ahead even if you change your mind and get a lawyer.”
Gambler reiterated he thought he had another trial March 7 and Christensen-Moore suggested he call the Fort Saskatchewan Crown prosecutors office to get a complete list of trial dates.
“I got disclosure but they’re all CDs and they do me no good,” Gambler said. “I’m in jail and ain’t got access to a computer.”
She told Judge Champion she thought inmates at the Edmonton Remand Centre were given access to computers, but would request to have as much of his disclosure as possible printed and sent to him.
Before leaving, Gambler verified the theft charges had been stayed.
“The charges today were a stay of proceedings which is a withdrawal, right? Then they have a year to investigate if they want,” he said.
Judge Champion said yes, they could be brought back but noted the Crown said they’re not going to pursue the charges.
Gambler made no request for bail and will remain in custody until his May 2 trial.
