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
Robert Pickton to remain in medically induced coma until later this week: police
Serial killer Robert Pickton will remain in a medically induced coma for at least the next few days following an attack in a Quebec prison Sunday, according to police spokesperson Hugues Beaulieu.
Charlie Colin, founding member of the pop-rock band Train, dies at 58
Charlie Colin, bassist and founding member of the American pop-rock band Train, best known for their early-aughts hits like 'Drops of Jupiter' and 'Meet Virginia,' has died. He was 58.
'Five feet nothing': Pickton's safety likely behind Quebec transfer, says ex-prison judge
When serial killer Robert Pickton was transferred from British Columbia's Kent Institution to a maximum security prison in Quebec about six years ago, correctional authorities gave no public explanation or confirmation at the time, citing privacy.
'I feel betrayed': Ottawa-area customers out thousands of dollars warn of bad faith contractor
A group of people from eastern Ontario and western Quebec is issuing a warning about Dennis Walker and his company Vue Windows.
Fancy pigeon outfitted in custom diaper has free rein in B.C. family home
When Chrissy Chin volunteered to take in a fancy pigeon abandoned on a park bench, she never imagined she would one day be ordering custom-made diapers for the bird – who lives in her house and has become a member of the family.
'We'll need all hands on deck': Details emerge after deadly boat crash near Kingston
Police say they have wrapped up their on-scene investigation into a deadly boat crash in eastern Ontario as details of the incident begin to emerge.
WestJet planning new fare category for travellers willing to forgo carry-on bag
WestJet Airlines plans to launch a new cheaper fare category that would be available to travellers willing to fly without a carry-on bag.
5 dead and at least 35 hurt in Iowa tornado: officials
Five people died and at least 35 were hurt as powerful tornadoes ripped through Iowa Tuesday, with one carving a path of destruction through the town of Greenfield, officials said.
Woman found dead in Lake Ontario in 2017 matches identity of missing person in Switzerland
Genetic genealogy has helped Toronto police identify a woman who was found dead in Lake Ontario in 2017.