Communications issues delay Michaud proceedings

PENTICTON – Delays in court proceedings continue for the man accused of bringing a shotgun into the Penticton courthouse last year.

Jessy Arthur Michaud had his proceedings adjourned to April 20 following a brief appearance by video in a Penticton courtroom this morning, April 13.

Michaud has been incarcerated since being arrested last year following an incident in which it is alleged he brought a shotgun, hidden in a tool case, into the Penticton courthouse.

Michaud has been waiting for disclosure documents from the Crown prior to deciding on a lawyer to represent him, Judge Gale Sinclair heard.

Crown Prosecutor Chris Balison, who dealt with the matter via telephone, said he mistakenly sent documents to Kamloops Regional Correctional Centre rather than Surrey Pre-Trial Services Centre, where Michaud is currently in custody.

Balison assured court he would remedy the error and ensure the documents could be opened with Surrey’s computer software.

Judge Sinclair suggested expediting the matter, noting the proceedings have been dragging and Michaud has been 'sitting high and dry' for some time.

Michaud said he had faxed Crown last week requesting other documents, but hadn’t yet been acknowledged. He was advised to send them again.

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