SASKATOON – A Saskatoon judge has recused herself from sentencing the king of Westside Outlaws street gang on a mischief charge.
Saskatoon Provincial Court Judge Lua Gibb told 33-year-old Terrance Charles Stonechild – who appeared by CCTV from the Regina Correctional Centre – that to avoid any conflict, she was recusing herself from hearing his matter.
“This matter was set for the purpose of sentencing today,” said Judge Lua Gibb. “Prior to my appointment as judge a couple of years ago, I was a federal prosecutor and in fairness to you I want to be sure that with respect to your sentencing you have the benefit of a judge that is not familiar with you so I am recusing myself from the file in fairness to yourself so you can have a judge with fresh eyes for your sentencing.”
Stonechild has been serving a 412-day jail sentence since July 2021 for weapons-related and drug offences. During Stonechild’s sentencing hearing on July 7, 2021, in Lloydminster Provincial Court, Crown Prosecutor Oryn Holm told the court that Stonechild admitted he was the “king of Westside Outlaws street gang.”
The sentencing on those charges stemmed from an incident in December 2020 in Paradise Hills and Onion Lake when he was banished from Onion Lake Cree Nation. Stonechild is one of 32 people banished from Onion Lake Cree Nation as the community combats illegal drug and gang activity. OLCN declared a state of emergency in January 2020 after a string of gang-related violence and drug activity.
Court documents show that Stonechild was charged by Saskatoon Police on Aug. 30, 2021, with mischief for willfully interfering with the lawful use and enjoyment of property, a lobby area.
According to Saskatoon Police, on June 29, 2021, at approximately 8:45 p.m. a disturbance was reported by the Saskatoon Correctional Centre, which involved three men. Officers attended to arrest a 24-year-old man, a 31-year-old man, and a 33-year-old man. All face mischief charges while the 31-year-old and 24-year-old also face arson charges.
Stonechild will be sentenced on the mischief charge in Saskatoon Provincial Court Nov. 29.
