A Richmond man has pleaded not guilty to conspiracy to commit murder

The Richmond man pleaded not guilty to two counts of conspiracy to commit murder and one count of attempting to pervert, defeat or obstruct justice.

Charges against Richard Charles Reid in Vancouver Provincial Court almost 900 days ago. They cover alleged crimes in Port Coquitlam, Vancouver and Richmond starting in 2021.

On Oct. 21, a student advocating for a prosecutor told Judge Reginald Harris that he hoped the case would be resolved soon.

She told Harris that she hoped Reed, 26, would be brought before the court so he could enter his pleas.

After Reid again refused to appear in court on October 28, a not guilty plea was entered on his behalf.

Harris said if Reed recused himself, he would consider the Supreme Court case a trial by judge and jury.

The case was referred to the Supreme Court of British Columbia.

The court heard that solicitor Kevin Westell was to speak to Reid, receive instructions and take the case forward.