SAULT STE. MARIE — A bail review has been set for April 13 and 14 for Patrick King, the Sault native who became a central figure in the Freedom Convoy protest that paralyzed Canada's capital city for much of February.
During a brief court appearance Monday in Ottawa, King also shed light on a subject widely discussed last week by his online supporters: whether he has legal representation.
"Cal Rosemond is not my counsel," King told the court on Monday, referring to the Toronto-based human rights advocate who also represents well-known anti-masker Chris (Sky) Saccoccia.
Rosemond represented King at an unsuccessful bail hearing in February.
He also participated in King's court appearance on March 24, but made it clear then that he had not been retained to represent the protest leader on that occasion.
On Monday, King indicated he's now retained two lawyers for his upcoming bail review: Nicholas Charitsis and Dave Goodman.
Concern was expressed about whether King will need legal aid when he eventually stands trial on 10 criminal charges including mischief, counselling to commit mischief, counselling to disobey a court order, counselling to obstruct police, disobeying a court order, intimidation (two counts), counselling intimidation, and obstructing police (two counts).
"I'm presently shopping for a lawyer right now, due to the importance of this matter," King said.
"I want to make sure that we have proper representation."
After his bail review determines whether King will be kept behind bars awaiting his trail, his next court appearance is set for April 19.
Tamara Lich, Chris Barber and Steeve Charland – all identified as convoy leaders – have been released on bail until their trials.
