'Justice for Quinn' protesters kept from displaying slogans in Harbour Grace court

The judge asked protesters to keep their message outside the courtroom during Trent Butt's court date on first-degree murder charges in Harbour Grace on Tuesday.

Butt is accused of killing his five-year-old daughter Quinn Butt.

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Quinn's memory reverberated through the streets of Harbour Grace, which were scattered with pink and purple ribbons and balloons — the young girl's favourite colours.

The courtroom was also full of supporters wearing pink and purple clothing and bearing ribbons. A few protesters, however, made more conspicuous statements.

Cindy Cranford and her daughter Sarah brought signs and shirts that read "Justice for Quinn."

Judge Bruce Short, however, banned them from bringing their shirts and signs into court. Short said he wanted his courtroom to be as objective as possible and that anything that could even implicitly influence the case would not be allowed.

Turned T-shirts inside out

Cindy and Sarah Cranford turned their shirts inside out to cover up the "Justice For Quinn" message.

Being asked to stop only made her "more determined" to fight for justice, said Cindy Cranford.

While she did not know Quinn or her family personally, she thinks "everybody in the province feels they know her now."

"I think this touches everybody," she said, choking up with tears. "I think this is a lovely family ... We just want to offer support, that's all."

Butt not in court

Trent Butt himself was not in court Tuesday, either in person or via video link as he had appeared before.

His lawyer, Mike King, signed a designation of counsel to appear on Butt's behalf.

Butt will appear in court if the case goes to a preliminary inquiry.

King submitted an application by phone to open a sealed packet containing information related to warrants.

Court is set to reconvene on Sept. 8, at which time a date will be set for a preliminary inquiry.