‘Conflict’ Crown to prosecute Iqaluit man’s assault, confinement, weapons charges

Charges against Michael Hatch adjourned to February — first opportunity a ‘conflict’ Crown is available

An Iqaluit man is charged with assault, forcible confinement and four firearms-related offences relating to an alleged 2023 incident. (File photo by Jeff Pelletier)

By Jeff Pelletier - Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

A “conflict” Crown lawyer will prosecute an Iqaluit man facing six charges, including assault, forcible confinement and four weapons offences in connection with an alleged incident last year.

Michael Hatch, 36, was charged in October and released with conditions, according to court documents.

In an Iqaluit courtroom Monday, Justice Paul Bychok adjourned the case to Feb. 17, the next date that a “conflict” Crown prosecutor will be in court.

A conflict Crown is a prosecutor not affiliated with the Nunavut regional office of the Public Prosecution Service of Canada, spokesperson Nathalie Houle said in an email to Nunatsiaq News.

“The PPSC engages a conflict Crown when a regional office is in conflict due to a connection with an accused,” she said.

“Depending on the nature of the conflict, we may engage another PPSC prosecutor, or a provincial Crown outside the PPSC.”

Houle said she was not able to provide further details because it is an ongoing case.

Contacted by phone and asked about the case and the possible connection between Hatch and the Nunavut justice system, Hatch’s lawyer Scott Cowan said he could not comment.

The charges against Hatch stem from an incident alleged to have taken place in Iqaluit in September 2023.

In addition to the assault and confinement charges, Hatch is accused of pointing a firearm, carrying a concealed weapon, unauthorized possession of a firearm, and possessing a weapon for the purpose of committing an offence.

Hatch was released on bail, according to a court release document. He has not entered a plea. Monday was the third time he was scheduled to appear in court since the charges were laid in October.

Conditions of his release include that he’s to have no contact with the alleged victim, that he remains under the supervision of a surety, abstains from alcohol, and follows an 11 p.m. to 6 a.m. curfew.

Neither Hatch nor Cowan were in court in Iqaluit for an appearance Monday. Lawyer John Yannakis appeared as an agent on their behalf.

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