Supreme Court grants appeal in Toronto nightclub murder, orders new trial

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"Truth", left, the statue at the entrance of the Supreme Court of Canada in Ottawa, is shown on May 7, 2010. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Sean Kilpatrick

OTTAWA – After hearing fresh forensic evidence, the Supreme Court of Canada has ordered a new trial for a Toronto man convicted of murdering a respected community figure a decade ago

Leighton Hay was convicted of the first-degree murder of Colin Moore, 51.

Moore was shot and killed in July 2002 at a Toronto nightclub where he was hosting a monthly fundraiser.

Hay has served about 10 years of a life sentence.

In an unusual move, the Supreme Court considered new forensic evidence — hair samples that Hay’s lawyers say prove his innocence.

In its unanimous, 7-0 verdict, the court ruled a new trial is necessary to consider the fresh evidence.

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