Motive is key, judge tells jury in terror trial

VANCOUVER — A judge is instructing a jury in the case of a husband and wife accused of plotting to bomb the B.C. legislature that motive is key to deciding whether they are guilty of the terrorism allegations.

John Nuttall and Amanda Korody are accused of conspiracy to commit murder, placing an explosive in a public place, and possession of an explosive substance, in connection with the alleged plan set for Canada Day 2013.

Justice Catherine Bruce read on Friday a little less than half of the 325 pages of facts and case law that form her instructions to the jury, who will return to court this morning.

She told jury members they have the option of finding the pair guilty of the charges, but without the added weight of acting on behalf of a terrorist group.

In order to determine if the pair is guilty of the more serious terror charges, Bruce said the jury must consider whether they were motivated by politics or ideology.

Nuttall and Korody have pleaded not guilty to the charges, and their defence lawyers have suggested undercover officers posing as jihad sympathizers manipulated them into plotting the attacks.

Bruce said the jury should only consider if police coaxed or influenced the couple’s actions when they are deliberating on the more serious terror charges.