(Toronto) Peter Nygard and his lawyer have parted ways as the former Canadian fashion mogul awaits sentencing on four counts of sexual assault.
Defense attorney Brian Greenspan asked to recuse himself from the case during a hearing Wednesday, citing an “irreconcilable breakdown” in his professional relationship with Nygard.
The latter objected to the timing of the request, stressing that he was still in the process of finding a new lawyer.
Ontario Superior Court Justice Robert Goldstein granted Greenspan’s request to have him removed from the case. He also urged Nygard to retain a new lawyer “as quickly as possible” to represent him in the criminal cases.
Until then, Nygard will represent himself.
Crown prosecutors have indicated that if Nygard is unable to find a new lawyer by his next court date on Jan. 30, they will still seek to set a date for his sentencing.
Nygard, 82, was convicted of four counts of sexual assault on Nov. 12, but was acquitted of a fifth count, as well as a charge of false imprisonment.
The charges stemmed from allegations dating back to the 1980s to the mid-2000s.
He has faced ongoing health issues during the court proceedings. His state of health should be mentioned during sentencing.