Justin Bieber Not Expected In Court As Stratford ATV Assault Trial Date Set [Updated]

Update: Justin Bieber’s trial date in his dangerous driving and [alleged] case has been set for July 14 and 15, if necessary, but Bieber’s lawyer Brian Greenspan has been trying to reach a resolution with Crown Attorney Mike Murdoch.

“Mr. Murdoch and I have had continuing discussions which will continue,” Greenspan said, The London Free Press reports.

If a resolution is reached, it could be brought forward at any time and a trial will no longer be necessary.

A confirmation date has been set for May 25 to update the court as to whether or not the case will be tried. If there is a resolution it could be brought before the court before May 25.

“We’re still hopeful there will be a resolution by May 25 if not earlier,” Greenspan said.

Greenspan also revealed Bieber may not have to appear whether the case resolves or go to trial. “The Crown could decide the matter should not be proceeded with and that would not require an appearance by anyone.”

The lawyer added, “I’m never antsy. I’ve been a lawyer over 41 years,” when asked if the singer was anxious about the case.

Original article:

Justin Bieber is not expected to be in a Stratford, Ontario court today as a trial date is set for his ATV assault case.

The 20-year-old singer was arrested and charged with dangerous driving and assault on August 29, 2014, after a collision between a minivan and an ATV in a rural area northeast of Stratford — his hometown.

Bieber’s then girlfriend, actress-singer Selena Gomez, was a passenger on the all-terrian vehicle.

At the time, Ontario Provincial Police said the ATV driver and minivan occupant “engaged in a physical altercation.”

However, TMZ later reported Bieber sources confirmed there was a collision, but denied any assault or physical altercation took place between the singer and the paparazzi.

The sources claim the paparazzi stayed in the minivan taking photos of Bieber and Gomez after the collision, and were told to leave the property by Justin.

The website added Bieber’s camp claim the paparazzi trespassed on private land owned by Justin’s father, Jeremy, to photograph the couple riding the ATV and had pursued them all day.

CBC News previously reported Ontario Provincial Police officers went to Jeremy’s home in Perth East on Tuesday, after paparazzi trespassed on his property.

Constable Kees Wijnands previously told press said there were no injuries as a result of the collision, but wouldn’t say whether there were any injuries from the altercation.

After their client’s arrest, Bieber’s attorneys released statements slamming the paparazzi.

“Justin Bieber and Selena Gomez’s peaceful retreat in Stratford this weekend,” said Brian H. Greenspan, “was unfortunately disrupted by the unwelcome presence of paparazzi.”

The attorney continued, “This has regrettably resulted in charges of dangerous driving and assault. Mr. Bieber and Ms. Gomez have fully cooperated in the police investigation.”

He added, “We are hopeful that this matter will be quickly resolved.”

Roy Black, the criminal defense attorney who handled Bieber’s Miami DUI case, offered a stronger statement slamming Bieber’s – and other celebrities’ – lack of privacy and the actions of paparazzi.

“Their privacy is shredded and these incidents can become dangerous. While the public is not particularly sympathetic, they must realize how difficult these cameramen make their lives.”

Black added, “So I am not surprised there is a conflict.”

“It happens quite often, and as long as the paparazzi are highly paid for their photographs, they will continue. This is one reason I would not agree to probation.”

Days before the incident in Ontario, Bieber’s car was hit from behind by a vehicle driven by a paparazzo in Hollywood.

CBC News later reported the Canadian paparazzi involved in the matter were represented by the attorney Gloria AlLred. In an email notifying The Canadian Press, Allred referred to her clients as “two victims,” calling and said the accident “a serious matter that could have an impact on Mr. Bieber’s probation status in California.”

It is not known if Allred is still handling the case following later alleged revelations that key aspects of the case are disputed by Bieber’s camp.

[Images via PacificCoastNewsOnline.]