There will be disruptions at provincial court in St. John’s this week due to a shortage of Sheriff’s Officers.
There are two public entrances to the courts with security screening on the 4th floor of Atlantic Place.
One of those, which leads to courtrooms 7, 8, and 9, will be shut down all this week.
Lawyers can still enter those courtrooms through the old entrance to #7, just inside the Criminal Division.
However, media and members of the public must email the court – stjohns@provincial.court.nl.ca – to listen or appear by phone.
Anyone with a case scheduled for this week is urged to check the online docket before heading to court, since some matters will be postponed while others could be moved on the day they’re due to be called.
A spokesperson for Provincial Court tells VOCM that the changes are necessary to “ensure there is a Sheriff’s Officer in every courtroom,” adding the measures will be re-evaluated next week.
Tony Humby in court (VOCM News)
Meanwhile, the sexual violence trial for Tony Humby is scheduled to resume this morning.
Police investigators and a half dozen complainants have already testified against the 65-year-old.
The trial is expected to continue, on and off, until next May.
It is proceeding in provincial courtroom #2, which is not impacted by this week’s changes.
