The case involving an alleged plot to kidnap a St. John’s man for ransom was called in provincial court this morning.

Judge Mike Madden had all intentions of moving the matter along today, but his efforts were thwarted because one of the four accused is still without a lawyer.

38-year-old Joe Aylward, who is free on bail, was in court this morning, insisting he had just been approved for legal aid.

But the Crown cast doubt on that claim, further muddying the waters in the complex case.

Complex, because the three other accused, including Aylward’s brother, Jeff, are all being tried together.

But Joe Aylward is the only one without confirmed legal counsel, prompting Judge Madden to note he’s now holding up the show, and preventing trial dates from being set.

Lawyers for Aylward’s brother, and the two other people charged — 36-year-old Philip Pynn and 33-year-old Theresa Lynn O’Grady — said they were prepared to enter pleas and set dates today.

But Madden would not do that until he was satisfied all four have legal representation.

Charges of kidnapping and extortion were laid after police stopped a car with five people inside, including a 27-year-old man who had allegedly been abducted an hour earlier. He was unharmed.

It happened late on the night of Dec. 6 on Oliver’s Pond Road in Portugal Cove-St. Philip’s.

Today, Madden reluctantly postponed the case for another two weeks to ensure all legal ducks are in a row.]