SASKATOON, Sask. — A man convicted of human trafficking has fired his lawyer ahead of his sentencing hearing.
Mohammed Masum, 44, appeared in Saskatoon Provincial Court on Sept. 10, and his lawyer was granted leave to withdraw from representing Masum.
Masum and his co-accused, 55-year-old Sohel Haider, were convicted last month by Judge Miguel Martinez of human trafficking. Masum was additionally found guilty of three counts of sexual assault against a woman identified only as S.K., whose identity is protected by a publication ban.
Both men appeared in Saskatoon court on Sept. 10. Haider appeared from the correctional centre by CCTV, while Masum appeared in person as a prisoner. Both were remanded and are scheduled to return on Sept. 15, when Judge Sanjeev Anand is expected to canvass dates that work for Crown and defence so the court can receive an update on Masum’s efforts to retain new counsel.
The Oct. 22 sentencing date remains, but further remand dates are expected for both accused.
