A man facing six charges of fraud, forgery and theft May 2 refused to appear in a Vancouver courtroom via audio link from an Ontario lockup.
John James Hewlett, 62, was to appear before Vancouver Provincial Court Judge Donna Senniw but refused. That led Crown prosecutor Daniel Kozera to raise concerns about interjurisdictional issues on Hewlett’s appearing on the charges.
The charges against Hewlett are in connection with April 21-22, 2023 incidents.
Four relate to one man.
Those are two counts each of fraud over $5,000 and theft over $5,000.
Hewlett is also charged with using identity documents knowing them to be forged and fraudulently impersonating the man named in the four charges, with intent to obtain money and gold.
Senniw said a warrant could be issued for Hewlett if he fails to attend court by audio.
The next appearance is May 5.
