A4

By DON MACPHERSON
macpherson.don@dailygleaner.com

Stumble Upon

del.icio.us

Digg

Facebook

Print

Email

3 Comment(s)

A defence lawyer representing a Tracyville man accused of multiple sex crimes asked for another adjournment in the case Monday, this time because his client just revealed key information to him.

Michael Gary Gilbert, 39, has been in custody since Jan. 27, when he was arrested for three alleged sex offences.

Since then, the list of charges has grown to 22. He faces 11 counts of sexual assault, six counts of making child pornography, three counts of sexual interference, one count of sexual exploitation and one count of possession of child pornography.

All charges involve complainants - 10 in all - who were underage at the time of the alleged offences.

Defence lawyer Ron Morris told the court Monday he has been reviewing the extensive disclosure information provided by the Crown.

However, he said Gilbert had just informed him of some key information Monday morning and he needs time to check it.

Crown prosecutor Paul Hawkins said the case has been dragging on for months.

He admitted the case is complicated, but he added that the right to a speedy trial applies not only to Gilbert but to the Crown and the complainants as well.

Judge Patricia Cumming allowed the latest delay but said it would be the last one.

"I am going to grant two weeks. That's it," she said.

"This is the last adjournment before election (of mode of trial)."

The case has been adjourned on multiple occasions for various reasons.

The defence requested adjournments early on when the RCMP would come to court and lay new charges. It took months for hearings to be held to determine if Gilbert would be appointed legal counsel. And after Morris was assigned to the case, he required time to review the charges against Gilbert and the evidence.

Gilbert will return to Burton provincial court Nov. 16 to elect mode of trial and enter pleas.

He'll remain in custody until that time.