Secrecy surrounds release of accused woman

TRURO — A woman accused in connection with a murder in Millbrook last Sunday has been released on bail.

But in an extremely rare move, information on the name of the surety for the release of Grace Scott as well as where she will be staying has been banned from publication for what’s termed “safety” reasons.

Scott, 35, of Truro is charged with being an accessory after the fact in the death of Jamie Blair, 46. Kevin Sylliboy, 25, is charged with second-degree murder in the case.

“This is a bit of an unusual request,” said Halifax criminal defence lawyer James Giacomantonio, during Scott’s bail hearing in Nova Scotia Supreme Court Friday. “It is a joint request from the defence and the Crown to not have the information read on the record today in the interest of justice,” he said. “There is an ongoing investigation.”

Scott was released on a $5,000 surety until her next appearance in provincial court, May 3, when she is scheduled to enter a plea. “There is an ongoing need, we believe, to protect the public knowledge of her next location,” Giacomantonio said.

“I do agree with that,” said Crown attorney Alison Brown. “There are protection issues we’re concerned with.” “You mean safety issues?” asked Justice Jeffery Hunt. “Yes,” Brown replied. Blair, of Millbrook, was discovered unresponsive in his Willow Street residence when the RCMP were called out at about 3:30 a.m. Easter Sunday. He was transported to hospital where he was pronounced dead.

No details as to the cause of his death have been released.

Sylliboy is scheduled to return to provincial court in Truro on Tuesday for his next hearing.