A man accused of multiple counts of sexual assault who once told a judge to shut up was muted in a video appearance on Aug. 30 as he repeatedly spoke over another judge in court.
Darren Ross Noddle is accused of four counts of sexual assault involving two women. One count involves a woman in an alleged April 16 event. Noddle is also charged with breaking and entering in connection with an incident that day.
Three of those counts involve one woman on May 9, 2022. He is also charged with unlawful confinement of that woman.
The purpose for Noddle’s appearance before Vancouver Provincial Court Judge Jay Solomon was to find out if he had a lawyer.
As soon as he appeared on video, Noddle said to Solomon, “And you are [the] judge?”
“I am Judge Solomon,” was the answer.
The judge heard Noddle has fired several lawyers but has a legal aid file open in order to hire one.
Crown prosecutor Bail Barnes said with trial dates approaching, she may apply to have counsel appointed for Noddle.
“If he doesn’t pick a lawyer, a lawyer will be picked for him,” Barnes said.
Noddle then said something about the Crown being misinformed and “leading perjured evidence.”
As Solomon was speaking, Noddle continued to talk.
“You can’t speak over me, Mr. Noddle,” Solomon said.
The case was put over to Sept. 17 to see if Noddle has a lawyer.
As Solomon moved to wind up the appearance, Noddle again interjected.
“There is an outstanding matter,” he said.
“No, there isn’t,” Solomon said, muting Noddle’s microphone.
'Shut up, Your Honour'
It's not the first time Noddle has tried the patience of a Vancouver judge.
In September 2022, Judge Bonnie Craig tried to keep a hearing on track despite the interruptions and asked him to be quiet.
“Shut up, Your Honour,” Noddle responded.
Lawyer John Turner characterized Noddle as a difficult client.
“Mr. Turner told me he would see me before today’s matter,” Noddle said. “That didn’t happen.”
Turner had already told the court Noddle had refused to speak with him. Noddle then said something about internationally protected persons.
Several times, the judge asked him to stop talking, eventually saying she would mute him.
Noddle then said something about high treason and the right to remain silent.
“You’re not helping, Mr. Noddle,” Craig said.
