Morin chooses trial by judge alone

A hit-and-run that left a young girl severely injured will likely go to trial.

Colt Levi Morin, accused of running over a group of kids on Big River First Nation, chose Wednesday to face his charges at the Court of Queen’s Bench. Instead of opting for a jury, his lawyer elected to see him tried by a judge alone.

No trial date has yet been set. The case is set for pre-trial in provincial court, where the Crown will test its case before the charges go up the hill to Queen’s Bench – where the most serious matters are tried.

Morin, 20, was taken into custody after a hit-and-run on April 9 left at least three children injured. One, an 11-year-old girl, was airlifted to hospital and treated for a brain injury. When questioned by police, Morin admitted to driving the vehicle that struck them. He was charged with impaired driving, criminal negligence and failing to stop at the scene of an accident.

His lawyer, Mary McAuley, said that she plans to challenge Morin’s statement for “Charter issues.” She argues that it may not have been voluntary.

Morin has been in jail since the time of his arrest, with a judge denying his request for bail on May 9. The Crown argued that he presents a continuing danger to the community. He is facing several other charges for separate incidents, including assault and break and enter. Those matters are set to go to trial on Whitefish First Nation on June 15.

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