by A Richmond County man convicted of manslaughter in the death of Philip Boudreau is due to have his bid for a lesser sentenced heard by the Nova Scotia Court of Appeal today.
67 year-old Joseph James Landry was originally charged with second degree murder in the case but was found guilty on the lesser charge of manslaughter following a lengthy trial in 2014.
Landry was one of the crew members on the Twin Maggies fishing boat who police say were involved in a violent altercation with Boudreau on Petit de Grat Harbour in June of 2013.
Boudreau’s body has never been found.
Landry is appealing his 14-year prison sentence on grounds that the trial judge made findings of fact not consistent with the jury’s verdict and also imposed a sentence that was harsh and excessive.
Landry is looking to have his sentence reduced to seven years, less a pre-sentence credit of 901 days.
During his trial, the Crown said that Landry shot at Boudreau’s speedboat and issued directions to boat captain Dwayne Samson as he ran over Boudreau’s boat.
Crown lawyers also say that Landry hooked Boudreau with a gaff to tow him out to sea, and helped weigh his body down with an anchor.