Trial of former Saskatoon Christian school director delayed until March 2025

The trial of a former director of a private Christian school in Saskatoon is getting delayed again.

John Olubobokun is charged with nine counts of assault with a weapon. It's alleged the assaults happened at Christian Centre Academy, which was renamed to Legacy Christian Academy and then Valour Christian Academy.

Olubobokun's trial began in June, but was adjourned midway after the Crown closed its case.

Prosecutor Sheryl Fillocalled 11 witnesses. The defence was expected to then begin presenting its case.

Instead,Olubobokun's lawyerrequested an adjournment. Defence lawyer Daniel Tangjerdsaid his client felt "massively unprepared" after the Crown's witnesses, and wanted to examine their testimony and present new witnesses.

Judge Lisa Watson granted the adjournment and the trial was set to resume Oct. 23.

• Former students disappointed after trial delayed for former Saskatoon Christian school director

But on Oct. 16, Watson heard at a provincial court hearing that Olubobokunhadfired Tangjerd and hired a new lawyer, Ron Piche, on Aug. 1.

Piche said that he had faced "an unusual delay in getting disclosure" and that he needed more time to get up to speed on the trial.

Watson said the request put the court in a difficult position. It came days before the trial was set to resumeand three days had been set aside for proceedings.

"I am reluctantly granting the defence request," she said.

The trial is now set to resume onMarch 11, 2025.