Alleged killer’s lawyers decry Crown secrecy

Lawyers for an accused murderer are baffled at the secrecy behind information the Crown is refusing to disclose the defence. Lawyers David Chow and Tonii Roulston were in Court of Queen’s Bench yesterday fighting a bid by prosecutors to have a closed-door session with the judge, without their presence. Crown prosecutor Will Shiplett said he has a precedent case for such a hearing.  

“We’re not living in Kafka-esque society,” Chow said. “A secret meeting, or a secret hearing...is contrary to the interests of justice.”

Shiplett informed the defence he has evidence relating to the case of [the accused] but has justification for not disclosing it. [the accused] is charged with second-degree murder in the death of his mother, 87.