Venue questioned in Cassidy Bernard case

Cassidy Bernard's family is calling for the trial of her accused murderer to not be held in a Wagmatcook courtroom.

“Our family does not feel safe with the trial being held there,” said Annie BernardDaisley, Bernard's cousin and a We'koqma'q band councillor.

“This should be held away from both of our communities.”

Dwight Austin Isadore, who is charged with the second-degree murder of Bernard, is from Wagmatcook.

Bernard was from We'koqma'q.

It was in her We'koqma'q home that she was found dead by family on Oct. 24, 2018.

Her twin infants were found alone in the home and while dehydrated were otherwise unharmed.

Isadore, who is father to the children, is also charged with two counts of abandonment.

The two children are now being raised by Bernard's mother, Mona.

Isadore appeared in provincial court in Port Hawkesbury on Tuesday.

At the appearance Crown Attorney John MacDonald requested the trial be held in Port Hawkesbury, citing conversations with the Bernard family, concerns about security raised by Sheriff's Services and other security issues with using Wagmatcook Court.

“This has never been brought to my attention by Sheriff's Services, never,” responded Judge Betty Anne MacQuarrie.

The judge said that Sherriff's Services had been consulted in the court's design. She said there are well trained staff there and a protected corridor for the accused to pass through between sheriffs' vehicles and the court room.

“Sherriff's Services would have to convince me with some intelligence, there would have to be some reason,” said MacQuarrie.

Outside the courtroom the two dozen family and supporters of the Bernard family were all in agreement that the trial should be held somewhere other than Wagmat cook, which would be perceived as neutral ground.

Bernard-Daisley said that in Wagmatcook with representatives of both families in the courtroom there will be a potential for strife.

“Wagmatcook is a great setup, our problem is not with the court there,” said BernardDaisley.

“But for this trial what I'd say is why should he go home when Cassidy will never go home.”

During Monday's appearance, Isadore appeared via videolink from the Northeast Nova Correctional Facility in Pictou County.

He was remanded in custody until his next appearance on Jan. 15.

“I was hoping to get bail a little sooner than Jan. 15,” said Isadore.

MacQuarrie said he would have to wait until his next court appearance to seek bail.

Isadore, 20, also agreed to an order banning him from contact with 41 community members.