Sentencing under discussion for man accused of killing sex trade worker
HALIFAX – A senior Crown attorney has reaffirmed discussions are still underway regarding the potential plea and sentencing of the man accused of killing a local sex worker.
Prosecutors and defence attorneys for Steven Elliot Laffin were in Nova Scotia Supreme Court yesterday morning, and asked for another adjournment until March 7.
Laffin has pleaded guilty to charges of aggravated assault, kidnapping, forcible confinement and uttering threats, all related to an attack on a sex trade worker in August 2010.
The victim’s identity is protected by a publication ban.
Laffin is also facing a charge of seconddegree murder related to the death of 29- yearold Nadine Taylor, another sex trade worker who disappeared in July 2010. Justice Heather Robertson clarified the March 7 hearing is currently intended to set a date for sentencing, but a sentencing could take place, pending the outcome of conversations between the two sides.
“We’ve been in discussions with the defence with regards to both the homicide and the aggravated assault,” said senior Crown attorney Rick Woodburn outside court.
“We set it over for a couple of weeks in order to continue discussions with regards to sentencing and parole eligibility.” Woodburn wouldn’t confirm Laffin is preparing to plead guilty and cautioned that he hasn’t given up his right to a trial. Defence attorney Kevin Burke confirmed discussions with the Crown are underway.