Appearing from Millhaven Institution, a maximum security facility near Bath, Ontario, Robert Steven Wright appeared May 22 before a North Bay judge at the end of his Crown pre-trial and the beginning of his judicial pre-trial.
Wright is serving a life sentence for the 1998 murder of Renée Sweeney and has been in custody since his arrest in 2018. He is now facing charges criminal harassment, forcible confinement and two counts of sexual assault after an investigation by North Bay police regarding alleged incidents that pre-dated his Sudbury murder conviction.
Appearing on behalf of Wright’s lawyer, Joseph Wilkinson, Aditi Iyer told North Bay Justice Peter Jeffrey Wright that the defence and Crown had completed their Crown pre-trial (CPT) on “Wednesday last week,” and they were now hoping to move toward a Judicial pre-trial.
The CPT was set on May 2, and was to allow Wright and his lawyer to meet with the Crown outside of the court to discuss Wright's charges. It is usually held after disclosure to allow for fulsome discussion, and for the accused to learn what evidence may be raised at trial, or, if desired, for them to resolve their case with a guilty plea and a sentencing recommendation.
In this case, it appears that the Crown and Wright’s legal team were unable to come to a resolution on the matter, and it will proceed to JPT.
A JPT is a meeting between the accused’s lawyer, the Crown, and a judge. Once again, it is an opportunity to sort out issues before the trial or, if possible, resolve the case without a trial, which might involve a withdrawal of the charge(s), diversion, or a guilty plea. Unless the case can be resolved, the conclusion of the JPT will usually be a guilty plea, or request for trial.
Justice Wright agreed to the request and adjourned the matter until June 12, when the JPT will be completed and next steps can be set out.
Jenny Lamothe is a reporter with Sudbury.com.
