Mark McDiarmid sentencing hearing moved to Whitehorse
The sentencing of Mark McDiarmid, which was to be held next week in Dawson City, Yukon, has been moved to Whitehorse over security concerns.
He was convicted earlier this year on three counts of assaulting a police officer, stemming from an October 2011 confrontation where he attacked an RCMP truck with a sledgehammer, was pursued to a Dawson City woodlot, brandished an axe and was shot by police.
He was also convicted of mischief and possession of a weapon.
McDiarmid was found not guilty on two charges of attempted murder.
Over the past couple of weeks he has been asking for his sentencing to be adjourned. McDiarmid is representing himself, and says he needs more time to prepare.
The court heard McDiarmid has told officials at the Whitehorse jail something could happen while he was being transported to Dawson. Officials are also concerned about cramped conditions and lack of secure facilities in the Dawson courthouse.
McDiarmid had earlier told the judge that the sentencing would not happen, no matter what she decided. This morning he told her that he would find her and hold her personally accountable for what's happening to him.
McDiarmid also said Thursday he's resuming a hunger strike. While he was waiting in the Whitehorse jail for trial he went on a liquids-only diet because he said the food in the jail did not meet his needs. After about five months, a judge ordered medical care for him and he began a recovery diet.
His sentencing hearing is scheduled to begin in Whitehorse Monday morning.
