The sentencing hearing for a man who killed his step-father in Renews two years ago, and a case of kidnapping for ransom, were both postponed this morning but for very different reasons.
The sentencing phase for 27-year-old Brandon Noftall was due to start this morning in Supreme Court.
Instead, all parties appeared by teleconference for an application to postpone because Noftall’s lawyer has COVID-19, a gentle reminder that the virus remains among us with the potential to still disrupt proceedings.
Noftall was charged with second-degree murder in the stabbing death of his step-father Bobby Noftall at Renews in December of 2020.
He was due to stand trial in June but instead pleaded guilty to the lesser charge of manslaughter, with the sentencing hearing now set for October 21.
Alleged Kidnapping Cases Postponed
Meanwhile, the case of four people accused of kidnapping a man for ransom was also delayed today, but the tangly case is getting there.
All four, including Philip Pynn, brothers Joe and Jeff Aylward, and Theresa Lynn O’Grady, now have lawyers, with the last of the Crown’s disclosure package now with the defence. That case is also due back in court on October 21.
Also, the courts didn’t skip a beat this morning with new protocol that stipulates service to His Majesty the King versus Her Majesty the Queen.