'Outstanding individual': Indigenous lawyer pleads guilty to assault, judge hears of recovery

An Indigenous Red Deer lawyer who assaulted a police officer was described in court as "an outstanding individual" and tireless advocate for Alberta's Indigenous community.

Laura Phypers, 38, pleaded guilty Friday.

Court heard that Phypers reconnected with her community and has been sober since the incident one year ago.

Defence lawyer Cristian Manucci spent time during the hearing outlining Phypers' personal circumstances, calling the work she has done for the Indigenous community "an amazing feat."

"She has excelled despite her upbringing," said Manucci. "She has overcome adversity."

'Alcohol got the best of her'

Manucci said his client grew up in "utter poverty" and surrounded by alcoholism.

"Alcohol got the best of her on that particular evening," said the defencelawyer.

The Crown agreed.

"The night of the incident, "her life was getting out of control," said prosecutor Bob Morrison.

• Indigenous lawyer injured during central Alberta arrest alleges RCMP used 'extreme force'

On June 3, 2023, an RCMP officer pulled over a vehicle near Innisfail to "investigate a possibly impaired driving complaint," according to an agreed statement of facts read aloud by Morrison.

The officer found open liquor cans in the car and noted that both the driver, alleged to be Desiree Friesen, and passenger Phyperswere "argumentative."

When the officer tried to arrest the driver, Phypers got out of the vehicle and attacked the officer, trying to hit him, repeatedly throwing punches.

'Absolute sobriety'

In the days after, Phypers criticized the force used by the RCMP. But on Friday, Manucci said his client takes full responsibility and acknowledges the arresting officer "acted in his lawful duties" the night of the arrest.

Since that night, Phypers has "perfected sobriety," he said.

"She has had absolute sobriety and she has done so by devoting herself to her culture," said the lawyer.

"She is a sun dancer," said Manucci. "A warrior."

Manucci noted that "many members of the bar have written profound letters" in support of Phypers.

Community service

Defence lawyer Manucci and prosecutor Morrison asked Justice John Maher to impose 12 months of probation followed by a conditional discharge.

That would mean a conviction would not be registered if Phypers follows the conditions of her probation for one year.

Included in the conditions are 30 to 40 hours of community service and counselling or treatment for substance abuse and anger management as directed by a probation officer.

The judge will return next week to deliver his sentencing decision.

Phypers' charges of obstructing a peace officer and uttering threats were withdrawn during Friday's hearing.