Mother of accused facing charges

Case involves fatal hit and run

The mother of a Cape Breton man charged in connection with a fatal hit and run earlier this year is also facing charges in connection with the death.

Norma Francis MacNeil, 56, of Malcolm’s Road, Albert Bridge, is charged with being an accessory after the fact and with obstruction of justice.

The offences are alleged to have occurred between March 11 and June 6.

MacNeil made a brief provincial court appearance Wednesday and was released on conditions that include having no contact with her son and some 30 other people.

She is to return to court July 6 to enter pleas.

Meanwhile, her son, Thomas Joseph Smith, 26, of Townsend Street, Sydney, is expected back in court today to enter pleas.

He is charged with failing to stop at the scene of an accident, dangerous driving causing death, criminal negligence causing death by texting while driving and driving while disqualified.

The charges stem from the death of 54-year-old Jackie Deveau of Cheticamp who police said died March 11 after being struck by a vehicle on Highway 125 near the Mira Road exit.

At the time he was struck, police said Deveau was flagging motorists for help near the exit. Investigators focused their attention on the driver of a grey Volkswagen with damage on its front and passenger side.