Judge slaps down 'ill-conceived' allegation of Crown misconduct in Greg Fertuck murder trial
In an unexpected twist in the Greg Fertuck murder trial, the defence alleged prosecutorial misconduct by the Crown.
Fertuck is charged with first-degree murder in connection to the disappearance of his wife, Sheree Fertuck.
In a secretly recorded video, Fertuck told an undercover officer he shot and killed Sheree.
The undercover officer took the stand for the third day.
During the Crown prosecutor Cory Bliss’s re-examination of the officer, defence lawyer Mike Nolin rose from his chair
“Did you and the prosecutor discuss your testimony yesterday afternoon?” Nolin asked the undercover officer.
“No my lord,” he responded.
Nolin said he found it “convenient” that the undercover officer had a quick response to one of Bliss’s question, and alleged prosecutorial misconduct.
“This witness was discussing matters with Mr. Bliss when they left the courtroom. I was five feet in front of them. I overheard the conversation. I didn’t hear exactly what was said, but Mr. Bliss ought not be talking to this witness at all,” Nolin said.
Witnesses are allowed to speak to lawyers about matters not related to the trial, but cannot speak about the case to anyone until they are done testifying.
“It is a serious allegation,” Justice Richard Danyliuk said.
After a brief break, the judge had strong words for Nolin.
The judge called Nolin’s challenge “ill-conceived and ill-executed,” as Nolin didn’t hear the particulars of Bliss’s conversation with the witness.
“It’s a serious matter, it’s an ethical matter … but skate with your head up before I run you into the boards,” the judge said.
Nolin withdrew his allegation.
Had Nolin chosen to follow through he would be taken off the case to be a witness of prosecutorial misconduct.
Danyliuk said he had no question about Bliss’s integrity or judgement and considered it a “dead issue.”
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
NDP motion regarding Palestinian statehood passes after major Liberal alterations
A motion from the federal New Democrats initially calling on Canada to recognize the 'State of Palestine' passed amid widespread acrimony on Monday, after the Liberals drastically altered its wording to see the government simply work towards that aim as part of a two-state solution.
'He didn't want to die': Family of Calgary man killed in standoff speaks out
Family of a Calgary man killed after a 30-hour standoff with police last week are speaking out, sharing details of the tense and heart-wrenching experience.
Toronto family doctor who called patient's body 'perfect' suspended for 3 months: tribunal
A family doctor in Toronto has been suspended for three months after a disciplinary tribunal found that he failed to follow proper protocols while examining a patient's breasts and made inappropriate comments about her body.
Ohio mom who left toddler alone 10 days when she went on vacation pleads guilty to aggravated murder
An Ohio mother whose 16-month-old daughter died after being left home alone in a playpen for 10 days last summer while she went on vacation was sentenced Monday to life in prison with no chance of parole.
Retired teacher pleads guilty to paying for sex with 15-year-old in Collingwood, Ont.
In a Barrie courtroom on Monday, a retired high school teacher from the Niagara Region pleaded guilty to sexual touching and obtaining sexual services from a 15-year-old boy in Collingwood in 2021.
Hertz CEO out following electric car 'horror show'
The company, which announced in January it was selling 20,000 of the electric vehicles in its fleet, or about a third of the EVs it owned, is now replacing the CEO who helped build up that fleet, giving it the company’s fifth boss in just four years.
5 charged in Calgary kidnappings that targeted women
Calgary police have charged five men in a pair of kidnappings last year that targeted innocent victims.
Demand soars for solar eclipse glasses in Canada. Are they worth buying?
The demand for total solar eclipse glasses used to safely view the rare celestial event has been ramping up as sellers, along with astronomy and eye-care experts in Canada, warn that viewing the eclipse with the naked eye is dangerous.
Canadian commander of volunteer fighter group dies in Ukraine
A Canadian-born commander of the so-called Norman Brigade, a volunteer fighting group in Ukraine, has died.