Lawyers for Robert Steven Wright, the man charged with second-degree murder in the death of Renée Sweeney in 1998, said they are concerned that steps being taken by the Crown's office are impacting their client's right to a fair trial.
Berk Keaney and Michael Venturi, of Weaver-Simmons, are representing Wright in the case.
They released a statement following news the Crown failed in its attempt to have them removed as Wright's counsel, citing a conflict of interest. A publication ban prevents details from being made public.
“We were always of the view that this application did not have any merit,” they said in a news release.
“Mr. Wright was arrested on Dec. 12, 2018 and has remained in custody since that day. A preliminary hearing was scheduled for the month of November 2019. That preliminary hearing was vacated when, on Aug. 9, 2019, the Crown took the unusual step of preferring an indictment, thereby, depriving our client of his right to a preliminary hearing.
“The Crown then brought an application to have us removed as counsel on Dec. 11, 2019. This application has now been dismissed.
“The defence is concerned about the impact that this is having on our client's right to a fair trial.”
Wright was arrested at his workplace, North Bay Regional Health Centre, where he worked as a laboratory technician.
He was originally charged with first-degree murder, however, since then the charge was downgraded, and the Crown's office succeeded in securing a direct indictment, meaning there will be no preliminary hearing.
A trial date has not been set.
Original story
The Crown attorney's attempt to have Robert Steven Wright's counsel removed from the case has failed.
The Crown attorney's office filed the motion in December to have Berk Keaney and Michael Venture removed from the case, citing a conflict of interest. A court-ordered publication ban prevents any details from being made public.
Justice John Fregeau heard arguments from the Crown and defence in December, reserving his decision following a three-hour proceeding.
Fregeau released that decision this week, although details of that decision aren't yet available.
Wright is charged with second-degree murder for the death of Renée Sweeney in 1998.
Sweeney was working at an adult video store on Paris Street when she was attacked and stabbed to death.
Wright was arrested Dec. 11, 2018, at North Bay Regional Health Centre, where he worked as a laboratory technician. He was originally charged with first-degree murder, however, since then the charge was downgraded, and the Crown's office succeeded in securing a direct indictment, meaning there will be no preliminary hearing.
A trial date has not been set.
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