Photo by Ruth Lauman By Jami Makan The Canadian government will fund the legal defense of Bob Boule, the owner of the Smuggler’s Inn Bed and Breakfast in Blaine who is alleged to have helped people enter Canada illegally.
During a July 5 court appearance, Boule’s application to have his defense funded by the Canadian government was granted. According to a media report, Boule made a successful “Rowbotham” application before Justice Frits Verhoeven at the New Westminster courthouse.
The application, named after a 1988 case in Ontario, can be made by people who are facing “serious and complex” criminal charges and have been denied legal aid but can’t afford a lawyer, according to the website of the B.C. Legal Services Society.
During the hearing, prosecutor Daniel Meneley, counsel for the Public Prosecution Service of Canada, told the court that in order for a Rowbotham application to succeed, legal representation must be deemed essential to conduct a fair trial.
Meneley noted that “the complexity (of the case) is acknowledged and conceded” by Crown prosecutors.
Boule faces 21 charges. The charges include allegations that Boule, despite being on prior notice, failed to keep the peace and be of good behavior, and assisted people in the U.S. with attempting to enter Canada in contravention of Canadian law.
The charges are set for trial from January 13 to February 5, 2020. Boule will appear in court on Tuesday, July 16 to confirm his trial dates.
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