An Oliver man charged in a 2022 Canada Day shooting will have his case sent straight to trial.

A preliminary inquiry into Steven Marlo Gallagher鈥檚 alleged shooting was cancelled after a direct indictment was made on April 12, forcing a change in schedule to his legal proceedings.

In addition to unlawfully discharging a firearm, Gallagher faces charges of pointing a firearm and aggravated assault.

A 22-year-old from Maple Ridge suffered a wound to the hip following the shooting near the White Sands area on the east side of Osoyoos Lake on July 1, 2022.

Gallagher and his defence appeared in provincial court on April 16 for what had been scheduled as a decision on an application to have witnesses testify remotely at the upcoming preliminary inquiry.

Gallagher appeared via video, as he serves out sentences for arson and other unrelated firearms crimes from 2021.

The application was rendered moot, as the Crown prosecution has decided to move forward with a direct indictment, which means skipping the preliminary inquiry and moving straight to the trial.

Defence for Gallagher expressed his frustration with the move by the Crown.

鈥淭his is very troubling news,鈥� said Gallagher鈥檚 defence. 鈥淭he direct indictment always takes away certain privileges or rights, to have a trial in provincial court, to have a preliminary inquiry.鈥�

Despite his frustrations, with a direct indictment the hands of Gallagher鈥檚 defence and that of the judge were both tied.

The judge acknowledged the frustrations, noting the case would be moved to the Supreme Court level and all she could do was schedule Gallagher鈥檚 next court appearance.

Gallagher鈥檚 next appearance is scheduled for May 6 in the Supreme Court in Penticton.