The extensive Dean Penney trial in Corner Brook has resulted in a delay of the Tony Humby sexual violence case which was supposed to be heard in court today in St. John’s.

After several days of deliberations, a jury found Penney guilty of first-degree murder yesterday morning.

Meanwhile, three days were set aside for proceedings in Humby’s case in St. John’s this week.

What connects the two cases is defense lawyer Mark Gruchy, who is representing both Penney and Humby in the separate matters.

In provincial court this morning, it was revealed that the Crown reached out to Gruchy last week, recognizing the amount of time the Penney trial was taking, seeking an update on Humby for this week. At that time, Gruchy indicated he would be seeking an adjournment.

Gruchy acknowledges that the Corner Brook trial went about a month over schedule, and it would have been difficult for him to properly represent Humby had proceedings moved forward today.

In the end, all sides agreed to have the dates moved. A status update has been set for Thursday morning at 9:00 a.m., at which time new dates are expected to be confirmed.

Humby is facing a total of 72 sexual charges against 11 teens and young men. He has maintained his innocence, and has pleaded not guilty to all of the charges against him.