The trial of a man accused of attempting to kidnap a teenage girl off a New Sudbury street came to a halt Tuesday because the defence lawyer was sick.
Ontario Court Justice Andrew Buttazzoni granted an adjournment over the objections of assistant Crown attorney Kaely Whillans.
“There are seven Greater Sudbury Police officers in attendance and four EMS members,” Whillans told Ontario Court Justice Andrew Buttazzoni. “My understanding is the four EMS members all work on the same shift and had to be rescheduled.”
Whillans argued that since 11 first responders had to be made available to testify, the trial should proceed.
Justice Buttazzoni said his hands were tied since the accused, Michel Albert, should have his lawyer present in court to defend him. As a result, the trial will resume on Jan. 19 at the Sudbury Courthouse.
“These are things that happen and it’s regrettable,” he said, after apologizing to the first responders for the delay.
Albert’s lawyer is Denis Michel. One of his partners, Danielle Vincent, had asked for an adjournment to Jan. 19, the next scheduled trial day.
Vincent said Michel was sick.
Full Article: https://www.thesudburystar.com/news/local-news/sudbury-kidnapping-case-delayed-because-defence-lawyer-ill
