Accused bomber Guido Amsel requests out-of-province judge, cites bias

GuidoAmsel, accused of sending mail bombs to three women in Manitoba, will find out later this week if hisrequest is granted foranout-of-province judge tohear his case.

His lawyer Martin Glazer argued the case poses a conflict-of-interest for Manitoba judges because two of the victims are lawyers.

"[The case is] too local, [the legal community is] too close knit, [the issue is] too highly charged,"Glazer toldChief Justice GlennJoyalat a hearing on Monday.

Winnipeg's legal community is like "one big family," he added.

"These lawyers are like the sons and daughters of this court."

Glazer saidif Amsel can't have an out-of-province judge, he should at least have one from outside of Winnipeg.

"Is it not in the interest of justice to consider an outside judge to hear this case?" he said.

Joyalsaid hewill deliver his decision on the matter on Thursday morning.

Amsel, 49, is charged with three counts of attempted murder,one count of aggravated assault and a number of other weapons and explosives charges.

Three women, including a Winnipeg lawyer, were the targets of attacks last Julyin whichbombs were rigged through recording devices and sent through the mail.

• Winnipeg mail bomb targets were 3 women
• Accused mail bomber Guido Amsel wants out-of-province judge, bail review
• Accused Winnipeg bomber Guido Amsel trying to get lawyer from out of province

Lawyer MariaMitousis, 38,who at one time representedAmsel'sex-wife in divorce proceedings, lost her right hand and was badly injured when a package mailed to her exploded on July 3, 2015. She also sufferedinjuries to her face, chest and thighs and underwent 12 hours of surgery.

A package intended forAmsel'sex-wife was detonated by policeJuly 4 at a business on Washington Avenue. No one was injured.

• Suspected bomberwent through lengthy divorce battle

The third bomb was detonated by police near the law office ofOrleBargenand Davidson onStradbrookAvenue on July 5. Thelawyer who represented him in the divorce proceedings used to work there but no longer does.

Amselwas arrested shortly afterwards and has been in custody ever since.

He was denied bail at a hearing in September.

• Accused bomber Guido Amsel denied bail by Winnipeg judge