Driver who hit teen appears in court
Bras d’Or man charged in connection with death of Joneil Hanna
A Bras d’Or man charged in connection with the death of a 17-year-old Northside boy made a brief provincial court appearance Friday and his case was adjourned until next month.
Hayden Kenneth Laffin, 21, is charged with obstruction of justice in relation to the death of Nathan Joneil Hanna on June 10 in Leitches Creek.
Laffin continues his release on conditions that include he have no contact with members of the Hanna family and that he report, by phone, once a week to Cape Breton Regional Police.
During Friday’s appearance, defence lawyer David Iannetti told the court he had only just received disclosure from the Crown and needed time to review the file with his client.
The case was adjourned until Oct. 3 when Laffin is expected to enter a plea.
About 20 protesters attended the hearing carrying signs reading “Justice for Joneil” and “Justice 4 Harper,” Hanna’s 11-month-old daughter.
The protesters stayed on the sidewalk outside the Sydney Justice Centre. Inside, additional sheriff deputies and regional police were on hand to provide extra security. No incidents were reported.
Hanna, who was walking on the side of the road, was struck by a vehicle driven by Laffin in the early morning hours of June 10.
Both had been attending a high school graduation party.
Also charged in the case are the hosts of the party, Kenneth and Donna Wilkie, of Leitches Creek, who are charged with allowing drunkenness on their property. They are to appear in court later this month.
Cape Breton Regional Police were highly criticized for their handling of the case on numerous social media sites and in mainstream media stories.
Of particular concern was that Laffin was never administered a breathalyzer test by police.
Police Chief Peter McIsaac explained that there was no basis on which to make a breathalyzer demand based on multiple observations, interactions and conversations with the driver during the hours before the collision, at the scene, and in the hours after the incident.
Further, said McIsaac in a statement issued at the time the charges were filed, the investigation was complicated by a wealth of misinformation — based on assumptions, opinions and rumours.
He said there were contradictions between what was being said in community conversations and to the media when compared to what was being provided to investigators in official witness statements.
At the time he was charged, Laffin also issued a statement claiming his innocence but was content the case will now go before an impartial judge with an outcome based on evidence and not rumour or anonymous allegations.