What should have been a simple plea deal in Dillon Peeace’s attempted murder case has become complicated.
The case returned to Moose Jaw Provincial Court on Wednesday because Provincial Crown Prosecutor Rob Parker required defence lawyer Brian Pfefferle to submit documentation as part of a plea deal to have an attempted murder charge stayed.
In June, Peeace pleaded guilty to the lesser offence of aggravated assault endangering the life of the victim instead of attempted murder. He also pleaded guilty to outstanding charges of breaking and entering and failing to attend court. Peeace was sentenced to two years behind bars.
The charges stem from a machete attack in downtown Moose Jaw in September of 2023.
The Crown stayed charges including causing a disturbance and obstructing a peace officer. At that time, Parker told the court that Pfefferle still had an obligation to meet in order to fulfil the plea deal in which it was expected that a second attempted murder charge would be dropped.
Legal Aid Lawyer Merv Shaw appeared as an agent for Andrew Hitchcock, who was unable to appear as an agent for Pfefferle. Shaw had instructions to ask for an adjournment to Oct. 22.
Parker was visibly upset with the adjournment request, saying that Pfefferle had months to submit the needed documentation to finish off the plea deal, yet over the course of three or four months has sent agents on his behalf to ask for adjournments.
“I don’t know if you can tell, there is a bit of frustration in my voice,” Parker told the court.
Parker asked Judge Brian Hendrickson if the court had the power to no longer allow Pfefferle to appear via an agent because he wanted an explanation from the defence lawyer as to why it is taking so long to submit documents.
Hendrickson made an order that Pfefferle appear at least by telephone at the next court appearance on Oct. 22.