Penticton man who allegedly went on fatal shooting spree ordered to not see wife

PENTICTON –  John Brittain will not be able to make contact with his ex-wife, a potential witness in his upcoming murder trial, anytime soon. 

Brittain has been incarcerated at Okanagan Correctional Centre since his arrest for allegedly shooting four Penticton residents on April 15.

He faces four murder charges.

Britain wasn't in court today, June 26, but was represented by defence lawyer Paul McMurray for an application to limit contact between the Brittain and his ex-wife, which Crown prosecutor Andrew Vandersluys called “imperative” to the current ongoing investigation.

Vandersluys told Judge Michelle Daneliuk an extension of the non-communication order, originally granted June 7, was necessary because of the possibility Brittain's ex wife, Katherine, could be called as a witness, and although the two were divorced, they still maintained a close relationship.

He said the order was necessary to maintain the integrity of the investigation, based on a review of materials received to date.

Vandersluys said the investigation could possibly take “a few more months.”

He said disclosure was being provided to defence counsel.

McMurray told court there was no reason to suggest any prior communication between the two had been “untoward,” asking that communication be allowed through counsel or by letter.

He also urged Crown to move the matter forward in a “timely way,” suggesting two to three weeks to begin looking at scheduling a preliminary hearing.

Judge Daneliuk agreed to a renewal of the non-communication order.

Brittain’s next court appearance is slated for July 17.

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