Hearing dates confirmed for alleged murderers

SYDNEY — A preliminary hearing for two Glace Bay men charged with second-degree murder is now scheduled to proceed May 26.

Thomas Ted Barrett, 38, and Morgan James MacNeil, 23, are charged in the May 2012 death of Laura Catherine Jessome, 21, of Bras d’Or, whose body was found along the shore of the Mira River in Marion Bridge.

The dates were confirmed Monday during a provincial court appearance before Judge Peter Ross.

However, the date could change given that Barrett is still without a lawyer. Should he secure representation prior to the start of the preliminary, it is expected the lawyer will ask for an adjournment in order to prepare. It would be anticipated that a judge would grant such a request given the serious nature of the charge. A conviction on a charge of second-degree murder carries an automatic life sentence, with a judge or a jury to decide on how much time needs to be served before becoming eligible for parole.

Ann Marie MacInnes, representing the Nova Scotia Legal Aid Commission, said Monday efforts are continuing to secure Barrett counsel but there has been no success.

Prosecutor Diane McGrath said the Crown is anxious for the case to proceed and urged the court to confirm the dates already scheduled.

Barrett is also facing an unrelated charge of assault alleged to have been committed in March at the Cape Breton Correctional Centre. The charge involves a jail guard. Barrett entered a plea of not guilty to the charge and a trial date will be set at the time of the preliminary hearing on the second-degree murder charge.

Meanwhile, MacNeil’s defence lawyer Darlene MacRury said her client is ready to proceed with the preliminary. He also entered guilty pleas Monday to two unrelated offences, assault and uttering a threat, and is scheduled to be sentenced May 1.

Barrett also made an appearance Monday in Supreme Court and is scheduled to return April 14 to set a trial date on charges of attempted murder, unlawful confinement, assault and uttering a threat. Those offences allegedly occurred July 2012 in Glace Bay.

Barrett is also facing a second count of second-degree murder in relation to the 2006 death of Brett Elizabeth MacKinnon of Glace Bay.