By Ian Holmes

‘Not too happy:’ judge grants brief delay in trial of man accused in fatal Cedar crash

Jun 25, 2018 | 5:45 PM

NANAIMO — A brief delay has been granted in the trial of a man accused in a hit-and run which killed a woman in Cedar in 2015.

Dustin Zinter’s trial is slated to resume in BC Supreme Court in Nanaimo Thursday morning, after the Honourable Justice Robin Baird allowed Zinter time to review details of the case against him.

Zinter, 41, upended the trial by firing his lawyer last Friday after the Crown rested its case.

At that time, Zinter insisted he had a new lawyer who would take up his case.

However, Burnaby-based lawyer K.S. Garcha told Court Monday via phone conference he would not work for Zinter, in part because he doesn’t have the necessary funds.

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“I’ve told Mr. Zinter that given my schedule and his inability to secure a retainer here that I’m unable to provide him with any representation.”

Following the revelation, Judge Baird said he’s more inclined to think Zinter is trying to obstruct the judicial process and delay the trial.

“That’s the kind of vibe you’re giving out Mr. Zinter and I’ve got to tell you something, I’m not too happy about any of this. I don’t know if you sort of picked up that drift on Friday,” Baird said in a raised voice.

Baird scolded Zinter extensively Friday for his request to secure a three month adjournment for his trial, which was denied.

Zinter informed Court Monday he received 23 death threats on the weekend.

The trial is time sensitive as Baird stated he’s not scheduled to hear cases in Nanaimo beyond this week until early October.

Zinter pleaded not guilty to dangerous driving causing death, refusing to provide a breath sample and leaving the scene of an accident following the death of 51-year-old Heidi Plato.

The Ladysmith woman’s truck was hit on Yellow Point Rd. near Cedar Rd. on Nov. 10, 2015.

The Crown alleged Zinter’s truck drifted into Plato’s lane, while a responding firefighter on scene testified Zinter smelled heavily of alcohol.

The Crown also claimed Zinter was using his cell phone at the time of the fatal crash and ran from the scene.

Baird reiterated the Crown has concluded its case and it’s up to Zinter whether to provide a defence or not, either by representing himself or through a lawyer.

ian@nanaimonewsnow.com

On Twitter: @reporterholmes