Bitternose appeals 1st-degree murder conviction

A Regina man who conducted his own defence and was convicted of first-degree murder says he did not get a fair trial.

• FROM MAY 16, 2006: Jury finds Bitternose guilty of 1st-degree murder

Quinton Lloyd Bitternose is asking the Saskatchewan Court of Appeal to hear his case.

Earlier this month, a Queen's Bench jury found the 29-year-old guilty of the November 2004 killing of Wayne Gerald Friday. The sentence, which is automatic for first-degree murder, is life in prison with no eligibility for parole for 25 years.

Bitternose did not have a lawyer during the proceedings and complained about having an all-white jury. He is an aboriginal person.

In his appeal documents, Bitternose claims he did not have an "impartial" jury. He also says he was denied access to a lawyer and could not take part in the proceedings.

Mid-way through the trial, Bitternose refused to cooperate with the judge and was removed from the courtroom.

By the end of the trial, guards were reporting to the judge that Bitternose was not answering any of their questions.

Bitternose is one of six men who were charged with the murder of Friday. The other accused have not yet had their cases heard.