Normandeau trial: another motion for a stay of proceedings

Former Deputy Prime Minister Marc-Yvan Côte and four co-defendants are suspected of having participated in a hidden political financing system.

The trial was put on hold a year and a half ago, pending a decision on the motion to stop media leaks. This request, which was aimed at unveiling the sources of journalist Marie-Maude Denis, went to the Supreme Court.

Back in front of Judge Andre Perreault for the resumption of proceedings on Friday, Mario Martel's lawyer, a former leader of the engineering firm Roche, filed a new motion for a stay of proceedings.

Me Rejean Lavoie attacks, in this request, to an important witness of the pursuit.

Marc-Yvan Côte's lawyer, Jacques Larochelle, called the witness informative, without a shadow of a doubt in the courtroom.

Martin Lapointe, a former Roche employee, reportedly cooperated in the investigation in exchange for immunity, alleges the lawyers who have all co-signed the motion for a stay of proceedings.

They criticize the Permanent Anti-Corruption Unit (UPAC) for failing to comply with the rules governing the use of a collaborating witness.

A way of doing things constitutes a shameless bargain with the witness who risks discrediting the judicial system, can we read in the request.

This is another ingredient that is added to the scale plate, illustrated Mr. Larochelle in court.

Still waiting

Justice Perreault agreed that the trial could not begin until the motions were settled, including the one on media leaks.

In this case, the defense is still waiting for the result of the Oath investigation, conducted by the Independent Investigation Bureau (EIB) on the work of the UPAC.

EIB lawyers have promised to release the results of the leak investigation within two months, which will allow defense lawyers to substantiate their case.

Contested mandates?

The lawyer of a former Roche leader, France Michaud, also raised the possibility of challenging the legality of the search warrants conducted at the engineering firm, the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and the offices of the Liberal Party.

Mr. Charles Levasseur pointed out that the results of the Oath investigation could shed new light.

If we restore the integrity of certain police officers, we will have to reanalyze, he argued to Justice Perreault.

The dates of hearings of motions for a stay of proceedings are not yet fixed, because it will be necessary to decide another one before.

EIB lawyers want to prevent the media from disclosing information about the Oath investigation that could be disclosed in connection with motions for a stay of proceedings.

The hearing of this EIB request, which is opposed by the media, will take place on 2 December.

acquitted

Last August, the prosecution announced the abandonment of half of the 14 charges against the 6 co-defendants.

Perreault J. therefore acquitted on counts of fraud, conspiracy and corruption.

The trial, if any, will be held on charges of fraudulent subscription to an election fund and breach of trust.

Charges of corruption in municipal affairs are also maintained.