For the first time since Robert Steven Wright was charged with criminal harassment, forcible confinement and two counts of sexual assault from incidents in North Bay predating his Sudbury murder conviction, he did not attend his May 1 court appearance.
Having signed a designation, Wright’s lawyer Joseph Wilkinson, as well as Wilkinson’s representatives, can now appear in court on behalf of Wright.
Wright’s partner and parents were in court, appearing virtually.
Aditi Iyer, representative for Wilkinson and therefore Wright, told Justice Erin Jane Lainevool that a Crown pre-trial had been arranged for May 15.
The Crown pre-trial allows the accused and their lawyer to speak to the Crown outside of a courtroom setting. It is usually held after disclosure to allow for fulsome discussion, and the main goal is for the accused to learn what evidence may be raised at trial, or, if desired, for them to resolve their case with a guilty plea and a sentencing recommendation.
Lainevool granted Iyer’s request to bring the matter back to the court on May 22, after the CPT had taken place.
Wright’s case has faced several procedural delays as it makes its way through the justice system, including a lack of disclosure and the defence only receiving the statement from the complainant on April 10, despite the charges being filed on Dec. 14, 2023, by North Bay Police
Wright, convicted of second-degree murder in the death of Sudbury woman Renée Sweeney, is already serving a life sentence, with parole eligibility after 12 years.
Jenny Lamothe is a reporter with Sudbury.com.