Defense lawyer Eugene Bhattacharya began his examining of his client, local Justice of the Peace Anna Gibbon.
The question period began Friday with general background information of Gibbon, as she discussed her extensive background in the justice system leading to her current role, and the involvement in improving relations between Fort William First Nation and the city of Thunder Bay.
While she remained very composed through the early questioning, Gibbon became more emotional as attention turned to her son’s failure to yield case.
Gibbon stated that she told her son she could not get involved with the trial, including being unable to assist him in finding a lawyer based on ethical reasons considering the title she carried.
The case was considered to have conflict as a result.
The first witness to testify in Gibbon’s hearing was Nicole Klein, the prosecuting lawyer in Gibbon’s son’s case. Klein was not based in Thunder Bay, instead coming into the city solely for conflict cases.
Klein testified that she received a phone call from Gibbon prior to her son’s trial. The lawyer stated that Gibbon was difficult, and claimed she asked “Do you know who I am?” during the short phone conversation. Gibbon when being questioned by her lawyer stated that while there was a phone call, she never used that phrase.
Gibbon also said her son had difficulties contacting Klein, though emails from the prosecutor around the time of the trial show she was making an effort and having difficulties receiving a response.
Gibbon was also questioned about her conversation with Supervisor of Court Services Jody Kontzie after her son’s case was declared a conflict on June 19, 2019 in court and pushed to another date.
Kontzie testified earlier in the hearing that Gibbon raised her voice and used profanity during a conversation that day about her son’s case.
Anna Gibbon testified she never swore during this conversation, saying she was angry and it was very out of character and a result of her belief her son was being treated unfairly by the justice system.
The case was pushed on June 19, 2019 because there was a sticky note on the file stating that there was conflict, as the individual was Anna Gibbon’s son. Gibbon stated this was inappropriate and not the correct way to carry this out.
Jessica Strobel was the court clerk who put the sticky note on the file. She testified that it was a “loose guideline” at the time.
The proceedings were adjourned early, and are set to resume July 5. Eugene Bhattacharya stated he will complete his examination of Gibbon that day, which will be followed by a cross examination by the presenting council.
Bhattacharya stated he is still unsure how much evidence the defense will put forward when the proceedings resume in July.
