Three-day lockdown at Saskatoon jail creating delays, postponements at provincial court

Alockdown at the Saskatoon Correctional Centre which began Mondayis now slowing the day-to-day operations at the provincial courthouse.

Inmates are still being shipped from the jail to court for scheduled appearances.

But many of the cases are simply getting adjourned becauselawyershave not been able to meet with clients.

"A lot of times in provincial court there's new arrests and bail hearings," said defence lawyer Mike Buchinski.

"You need to speak with clients, and the lockdown prevents you from confirming release plans, getting these people into court, getting them back out of custody if that's what's correct."

The roots of the lockdowntrace back to last week.

Brent Checkosis,one of eight people charged in connection with the death of Edmonton woman Tiki Laverdiere, wasrushed to hospital with serious injuries after being stabbedat the jail on Thursday night.

Two men, Kihiw Jason George Fourstar, 19, and Jesse Edward Philip McKenzie, 22, have been charged with aggravated assault and possession of a "home-made knife" for a dangerous purpose over what police described as a "fight between inmates."

And thenon Monday,four more inmates were injured in two fights. Ministry of Justice spokesperson Drew Wilby said one incident occurred in the yard and another happenedin one of the cells.

Buchinskisays there is little that lawyers can do when the jail is heavily restricting access.

"You wait until they come to court and apply triage," he said.

"Do what you can, when you can and, if you're unable to, you explain to the court the rationale and bring the client back as soon as they can."