Judge holds more time for MLA’S trial

HALIFAX — Lawyers now say more than one day will be needed for Chester-st. Margarets MLA Hugh Mackay's trial on a charge of impaired driving.

The charge was laid in February, 15 months after Mackay allegedly committed the offence on Nov. 22, 2018. RCMP have not offered an explanation for the delay.

Defence lawyer Don Murray entered a not guilty plea on behalf of Mackay, 65, at his arraignment in Halifax provincial court in March.

Judge Ann Marie Simmons booked Dec. 7 for the hearing, and Murray said he might request additional time if the Crown disclosed more evidence.

A pre-trial conference was held Thursday in Halifax provincial court, with lawyers participating by phone.

“Since the last appearance, I’ve been provided with further disclosure and I’ve had a brief conversation by email with (Crown attorney Melanie Perry),” Murray told the court. “Because of the new disclosure, the day that we’ve set aside is probably not sufficient.”

Murray said another half-day will be required, and Perry agreed with his assessment.

Simmons reserved the morning of Dec. 10 as well and scheduled another pre-trial conference for July to confirm that date.

Murray doesn’t expect any evidentiary issues will need to be discussed with the judge in advance of the trial.

Last November, Mackay was fined $2,000 and prohibited from driving for one year after pleading guilty to a different charge of impaired driving, from an Oct. 13 traffic stop near his home in Glen Haven. His breathalyzer readings were .180 and .190, more than twice the legal limit of .08.

Mackay was elected to the legislature as a Liberal in 2017 but now sits as an Independent. He resigned from the Liberal caucus this February, after news broke about the new charge.