The jury which is to make a verdict in the AMQUI-Tamper truck attack case has been challenged twice by public members in Rimouski in the last days. The incidents prompted the judge to make checks as to a possible “contamination” of the jury.
Some jurors noticed in particular on Thursday evening, at the exit of a restaurant, a man getting up from the table to approach them, and give them a sign to each. The man used his two fingers to point his eyes then each juror who crossed his passage, meaning I see you, I watch you
we reported in court on Friday.
Also, last week, a woman, seated near the release of a restaurant, on dinner time, launched the jurors: Send it in within for 25 years!
The special constables that accompany the jury in all its trips would have tried in vain to identify the person thereafter.
When this situation was brought to the attention of judge Louis Dionne, he took the time to summon the jurors individually to hear their version of the facts.
Steeve Gagnon faces three chiefs of first degree murder and two counts for attempted murder using a motor vehicle. (Archives photo)
Photo: Canadian press / Jacques Boissinot
He also asked them if the event had an impartiality, and if they were still able to base themselves on the facts presented by the crown and the defense, not by comments or external judgments
. The jurors all assured that they could still exercise their function in this trial.
Judge Louis Dionne mentioned outside jury that it was only the second time in career that he had to make checks about a possible contamination
de jury.
The defense lawyer, Me Hugo Caissy, asked the judge on Friday afternoon if it was possible to limit the presence of jurors in public until the end of the deliberations.
If it happens a third time, I’m going to start worrying.
The judge for his part recalled that Rimouski was not Montreal, and that Twelve people who walk with three armed people
can easily draw attention to the city center.
The Steeve Gagnon trial opened on May 15 at the Rimouski courthouse. (Archives photo)
Photo: Radio-Canada / Jean-Luc Blanchet
He indicated that jurors will have to be made aware of the importance of reporting a problematic situation to the constables as soon as it presents itself, without delay.
We are not going to put them on the sandwiches with the Cretons or in a shackI don’t know where
launched Judge Dionne with his usual humor.
The deliberations of the jury will continue at 9 a.m. on Saturday morning behind closed doors, for a second day.
