A jury trial began on Aug. 19 in Williams Lake Supreme Court in a case against a man from the 100 Mile House area.
Morgan Edgar Hilts is facing three charges stemming from an alleged incident on Oct. 28, 2022 in Lone Butte.
Hilts has entered not guilty pleas on all three charges, which include forcible entry, possession of a device intended for break and enter and harassment.
Hilts and wore a suit and tie and had his long, curly brown hair tied back in a ponytail and a trimmed beard as he sat in the prisoner box watching the proceedings.
The courtroom was initially packed with potential jurors, as Justice Tindale explained the importance of jury duty in upholding our free and democratic society. Tindale also acknowledged the hardship and inconvenience it could put on jurors, both financial and otherwise. He said Canada's justice system is the envy of many countries around the world.
"This remarkable system comes at a price," said Tindale, calling it one of the most important responsibilities citizens can be called upon to perform.
Tindale said those who were selected would likely find the experience both challenging and rewarding.
The clerk drew prospective juror numbers from a box, and each came forward. Jurors could be excused, for health or other reasons deemed legitimate by the judge.
After five men and seven women were selected as jurors, Justice Tindale said it was the easiest jury selection he had done, and the rest of the prospective jurors were dismissed.
However, moments later, one juror mentioned some health concerns which could interfere with her participation. This led to the sheriffs quickly attempting to call back the other potential jurors before they left the courthouse. An alternate juror was selected within a short time, and the proceedings resumed.
After a break, the trial got underway, with Crown presenting opening remarks outlining the nature of the alleged offences and calling their first witness.
The trial is expected to take five to seven days.
