The suspension of Halifax defence lawyer Lyle Howe is not expected to cause delays in the Loretta Saunders murder case.
Howe was one of two lawyers representing 26-year-old Blake Leggette, who is charged with first-degree murder in Saunders’ death.
Howe was suspended by the Nova Scotia Barristers Society on June 2 after he was convicted of sexual assault.
Leggette’s other lawyer, Terry Sheppard, says Howe’s suspension won’t have an impact on the case.
“It’s not going to have any effect on it,” says Sheppard. “I’ve been on board in this case for a bit of time now and I’ve got all the disclosure. I’ve gone over it, I’ve met with the client. The client is comfortable with me proceeding as his counsel.”
Saunders' body was found on a snow-covered median off the Trans-Canada Highway near Salisbury, N.B. on Feb. 26.
The 26-year-old Inuk woman from Labrador, who was studying at Saint Mary's University, had disappeared from Halifax on Feb. 13.
Police allege Saunders, who was three months pregnant, was killed the day she was last seen at a Halifax apartment she once shared with the two people accused in her death.
Leggette’s girlfriend, 28-year-old Victoria Henneberry, is also charged with first-degree murder in Saunders’ death.
The Crown and defence are now waiting for the autopsy report. Sheppard says, if the report is received in a timely manner, it shouldn’t hold up proceedings.
A focus hearing will take place on July 2. A four-day preliminary hearing is scheduled to begin on July 21.
