Judge denies Pickton’s brother’s bid for sexual-assault lawsuit to be postponed

VANCOUVER – A judge has denied an application from the brother of serial killer Robert Pickton to postpone a civil lawsuit alleging he threatened to rape and kill a woman more than two decades ago.

B.C. Supreme Court Justice Carol Ross says her decision acknowledges serious concerns raised by the woman's social worker about the likely impact a postponement would have on her mental health.

David Pickton applied earlier this month for an adjournment due to a scheduling conflict for his lawyer, Ian Donaldson.

The seven-day jury trial is set to begin next Monday.

The woman's lawyer, Jason Gratl, contested the application, telling the court Donaldson had ample opportunity to prepare and that it would be a unfair to adjourn his client's trial for a fourth time.

A notice of civil claim filed in November 2013 alleges Pickton sexually assaulted the woman on a construction site in August 1991 before threatening to rape and kill her.