Jacques Delisle investigation postponed

The investigation into former judge Jacques Delisle’s release has been adjourned until Tuesday, until judge Moulin decides whether he will hear new ballistic evidence presented at the last minute by the Crown.

After Jacques Delisle’s lawyer was done presenting evidence, Michel Fortin, the prosecutor for the Crown asked Judge Benoit Moulin to hear a new ballistics expert. Through tests conducted last weekend, expert William Arnet would be able to defeat the arguments of the experts that are on the Delisle side, arguments based on which the Canadian Minister of Justice had agreed to launch a judicial process review.

“I believe the minister is wrong,” Said M. Fortin to argue that the new ballistics expert should be heard. The theory of the defence claims that the shooting followed a perpendicular trajectory before ricocheting off the opposite wall of the skull. According to this new evidence, “the round would have necessarily exited the skull with a perpendicular angle,” he said.

The prosecutor added that this new element was “never considered” at trial because “it was not part of the picture.” Arnet, the expert, if he is heard, will therefore deal with a trial theory that was never presented.

The defense’s lawyer, James Lockyer, was opposed to this new request, claiming that it would delay the process. “He’s an old man,” said the lawyer, referring to his client who wishes to be released.

Mr. Fortin replied that if the judge does not listen to this new evidence before making a decision, “he risks losing the public’s confidence” in institutions.

If Judge Moulin agrees to hear the ballistics expert, he should be heard on the same day that Mr. Lockyer raised the possibility that the preparation could require another postponement.
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