Yet another delay has been granted in the court proceedings for a man accused of impaired driving in the death of West Shore RCMP Officer, Cnst. Sarah Beckett. The court is allowing a 3 week delay to hammer out a Statement of Agreement of facts. The new date set for April 27th.
Dale Marshall is the lawyer for 28 year old Kenneth Jacob Fenton. He says the request came from both sides:
"The matter's been adjourned to April 27th to continue discussions with Crown counsel. They were requesting some time to consider our proposal, how to move the file forward."
Marshall suggests the agreement of facts may help expedite the matter. He acknowledges all the delays are taking a toll on everybody involved, including his client who he describes as struggling.
Fenton, was not in the courtroom this morning, but Cnst. Beckett's husband and about a dozen supporters were. Among them was Cnst. Alex Berube of the West Shore Detachment where Beckett worked. He says it's important to respect the court process:
"Even though it's big delay in this case, it's a high profile case. So we need to just go along with what the lawyers are going to go about this case. And all we can do is provide support to Sarah Beckett's family."
Several delays have been necessary in recent months as the Independent Investigations Office was looking into the actions of another RCMP officer who tried to stop the pickup truck that ultimately broadsided Beckett's cruiser. That report was forwarded to the Crown 2 months ago for a decision on charges.
The Defence had asked for delays to allow that report to wrap up in order to make a plea decision. But Fenton's lawyer is still not saying what the plea will be.
Fenton faces numerous charges including impaired driving causing death, flight from police, dangerous driving causing death, and refusing to provide a breath sample.