UP IN SMOKE

‘A piece of history is gone.’

Three of five people charged with being an accessory after the fact in connection with a fatal hit and run earlier this year made provincial court appearances this week.

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

Thomas Joseph Smith, 26, of Sydney, faces charges of failing to stop at the scene of an accident, dangerous driving causing death, criminal negligence causing death (texting while driving), driving while disqualified and obstruction of justice by hiding and repairing or burning evidence (a vehicle).

Smith, who was previously denied bail, is to appear back in court Jan. 9 and Jan. 15 for a preliminary hearing on the charges. He has elected to be tried by a Supreme Court judge and jury.

The other five in the case have all been charged with being accessories after the fact.

Patrick Joshua McGuire, 31, of Cow Bay Road, Sydney

Is facing three counts of accessory that allege he helped Smith obtain repairs for a damaged Volkswagen, aided in burning the vehicle and with hiding the vehicle.

Jesse Thomas Gatza, 21, of Big Bridge Road, Marion Bridge, faces a single count that he assisted Smith by hiding the vehicle.

The offences are alleged to have occurred between March 11 and April 18. Both accused are scheduled to enter pleas Nov. 16.

Also appearing in court this week was Chelsey Anne Marie Pinkston, 23, who is also charged with being an accessory after the fact by assisting Smith to escape liability by deleting evidence from Smith’s cell phone and coordinating the destruction of Smith’s Volkswagen.

She is scheduled to return to court Oct. 23 to enter a plea.

Also charged is Smith’s mother, who has a hearing set for January, and another man is to appear in court Nov. 1 to enter pleas.