Both of Daniel Bard's lawyers now on medical leave, trial halted until June
Trial on 19 charges — including fraud, theft, money laundering — adjourned to June 3
The trial of a former Moncton executive accused of 19 financial crimes has been adjourned for more than two weeks, adding to a growing list of delays caused by Daniel Bard's own defence team.
Friday's court proceedings in Moncton began with Judge Anne Richard finding out that defence lawyer Tim Dubé had informed the court around 10 p.m. Thursday that he had become ill and would not return to court until June.
Dubé was recently assigned greater responsibility in the case after Bard's former lead defence lawyer James Matheson told the court last week that he received orders from a doctor to take a medical leave, also until June.
Bard, who said he only found out about Dubé's sudden absence Friday morning, stood up in court when given the chance to speak.
"I've been shaking since I heard," he said.
Bard has been on trial since April 22 for charges including fraud, theft and money laundering, some of which relate to his time as vice-president of investment attraction with the Greater Moncton business development agency, 3+.
Guillaume LeBlanc, who briefly acted as an agent for Dubé Friday morning, didn't give specifics about the reason for the leave but said Dubé could not be present "for medical reasons."
He said the situation now makes it so that "Mr. Bard is not in a position to proceed."
Richard previously ruled on a Crown motion that Dubé be present in court for any evidence to be heard for the remainder of the trial.
Which means Dubé's absence leaves Bard without representation for now.
"I wish to adjourn if possible, your honour," Bard said. "Until I find out what's going on."
Richard adjourned the trial until June 3, a proceeding which she said will likely focus on managing the case "to see where things are at that time."
Bard, who stood alone with a few reporters in the public gallery, replied, "I'll be here."
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