The applicant, charged with possession of oxycodone and hydromorphone for the purpose of trafficking, brought a Rowbotham application for state-funded legal counsel after being denied Legal Aid.
The court found that the applicant failed to provide full and complete disclosure of her financial circumstances, noting substantial unexplained deposits and gambling expenses in her bank records.
Furthermore, the court held that the applicant failed to demonstrate that her right to a fair trial would be compromised without counsel, as the trial judge has a duty to assist a self-represented accused.
The application was dismissed.
