by Two local media outlets are opposing an application for a publication ban on the upcoming second-degree murder trial of Thomas Ted Barrett in the death of Brett McKinnon.
The 40 year-old Glace Bay man’s trial is scheduled to begin on January 18th.
But his lawyer has applied for an order that would ban publication on the trial’s proceedings until the conclusion of his September trial in the death of Laura Jessome from Bras d’Or.
At issue is whether publication of evidence at the January trial could unduly influence, affect or prejudice the jury at Barrett’s second trial.
The lawyer for the CBC and the Cape Breton Post argues that his clients have a direct interest in protecting their right to report on the trial.
He also says that because the two trials will take place eight months apart, there will be more than enough time to allow full reporting on the details of Barrett’s first trial.
A hearing on the publication ban is due to take place on Monday in Nova Scotia Supreme Court.
Brett Elizabeth McKinnon was reported missing in 2006 and her skeletal remains were found in the Passchendaele area of Glace Bay in 2008.