The Okotoks man who shot an intruder on his land should know next month whether a lawsuit filed by the culprit will be thrown out..Edouard Maurice was charged by RCMP after he fired a warning shot at the intruders..Ryan Randy Watson and a co-accused went onto the Maurice residence about 5:40 a.m. on Feb. 24, 2018..The warning shot ricocheted and hit Watson in the wrist..Maurice was later charged with gun offences but all charges were dropped June 22, 2018 after a huge public outcry..Watson pleaded guilty to mischief and failure to comply with a court order and was sentenced to 45 days in custody, but was freed after receiving credit for time served..Then in a twist, Watson turned around and sued Maurice in September for $100,000 for personal damages..Earlier this month, the UCP government introduced Bill 27. The Trespass Statutes (Protecting Law-abiding Property Owners) bill states victims of crimes, who take reasonable, legal actions to protect their property, cannot be sued by those committing the crime..The bill was made retroactive to Jan. 1, 2018 — prior to the Maurice incident. He is using the bill to try and have Watson’s lawsuit thrown out..Maurice has filed a counter-claim against Watson for $150,000..The case was in Okotoks court this week and was adjourned to Jan. 27..dnaylor@westernstandardonline.com.Twitter: @Nobby7694
