An alleged aggravated assault took place in a popular downtown Vancouver strip club, a judge has heard.
Angela Rosario Ravina-Quispe was charged with aggravated assault in connection with an incident involving another woman on June 21, 2020, according to the charge information sworn Oct. 9, 2020.
The incident took place at Brandi’s, a club whose website describes it as “Vancouver’s legendary strip club.”
The case is set to go to trial June 24-25 with Ravina-Quispe representing herself.
On March 19, Ravina-Quispe told Vancouver Provincial Court Judge Andrea Brownstone that her lawyers have told her to plead guilty.
However, that’s not something she wants to do, Ravina-Quispe told Brownstone.
“If more than one lawyer has told you the same thing, there must be a reason,” Brownstone said.
The Crown intends to call five witnesses.
“I’m guessing you will be testifying,” Brownstone said to Ravina-Quispe.
“I’ve been telling the truth the whole time,” she responded.
The judge added: “The Crown has the burden of proof of proving the charge. You don’t have to prove anything.”
“I understand you believe the truth is on your side but that is for the trial to determine,” the judge said.
Ravina-Quispe said her experience in the case has undermined her trust in the justice system. She has maintained she wants to make a Jordan application for a stay of proceedings. On April 18, Brownstone said she would not be addressing the issue that day.
The Jordan principles stem from a case that wound up in the Supreme Court of Canada.
Stays of proceedings are possible if a case hits a ceiling of 18 months for those tried in the provincial court and 30 months for cases in superior courts.
Case records of proceedings show Ravina-Quispe had an initial court appearance on Oct. 14, 2020.
Since then, she has been through three lawyers, the last of which withdrew March 19.
In that time, there have been more than 70 court dates involving 13 Crown prosecutors and more than two dozen judges or justices of the peace.
Ravina-Quispe’s non-appearance in court has been noted six times in case records.
There had been a guilty plea and a sentencing hearing scheduled but that plea was struck Dec. 14.
A not-guilty plea was entered Feb. 2.
Delays have been waived by defence six times.
