NORTH BATTLEFORD – A woman charged with arson in connection to a fire that destroyed an apartment building earlier this year is pleading not guilty.
Defence Nicole Bre waived 42-year-old Naomi Jean Yellowtail’s attendance in North Battleford court Thursday and said Yellowtail would be pleading not guilty and asked the court for a trial date. Yellowtail is also charged with assault with a weapon, resisting arrest, and three breach of conditions.
Regional Crown Prosecutor Chris Brown told the court he expects that four days would be needed for the trial.
Judge Murray Pelletier adjourned the matter to Aug. 22 to set a trial date.
Yellowtail remains in custody at Pine Grove Correctional Centre in Prince Albert.
Yellowtail’s co-accused, 22-year-old Keeanu Crookedneck, who is charged with arson with disregard for human life and breach of an undertaking, is back in court Aug. 22 for a show cause hearing.
Battlefords RCMP had received a call about an apartment fire on 102 Street in North Battleford at about 1:25 a.m. on Jan. 3. When they arrived the structure was fully engulfed in flames. Seventeen residents and six emergency responders required medical treatment.
The charges against the two accused haven't been tested in court.
