Media successfully argues against publication ban on Windsor murder trial of Toronto man
The media has successfully argued against a publication ban on the Windsor murder trial of a Toronto man.
Frederick Leon is currently on trial in front of a jury, for second-degree murder.
He’s charged with killing another man from Toronto, in Windsor, on May 21, 2021.
Prince Charles, also of Toronto, is charged with second-degree murder as well but his trial is currently slated for fall 2025.
Devin Bains, a defence lawyer for Charles received a temporary publication ban at the start of Leon’s trial to allow for a hearing to be held on their application.
Bains argued much of the evidence in the Leon case will be similar to what is expected to be called in his client’s trial.
As a result, he argued coverage of Leon’s trial would make it difficult to find an impartial juror without previous knowledge of the case.
He also feared the media would “ramp up” publication of the evidence from Leon’s trial right before Charles’ begins.
A lawyer for CTV, the Windsor Star and CBC argued against the ban, noting the length of time between trials and the standard juror screening process should be sufficient to ensure Charles receives a fair trial from an impartial jury pool.
Justice Brian Dube ruled Monday Bains’ argument “failed to muster sufficient evidence to meet its onus of justifying the imposition of a publication ban.”
Dube disagreed with Bains on the media coverage and general public interest in the Leon-Charles trials.
“This case, while tragic, is on the spectrum of cases not at all sensational or notorious, nor does it come close to attracting the intense media interest that [Nathaniel] Veltman [terrorism trial] did,” the judge wrote.
“I am of the view that the generalized fears asserted by the applicant about pre-trial publicity borders on speculation and that any risk of prejudice to Charles receiving a fair trial is a manageable one.”
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
LIVE @ 11:15 A.M. MT Extent of Jasper wildfire damage still unknown; Alberta Wildfire hosting update
Officials are waiting to learn Thursday morning the extent of wildfire damage in the Jasper townsite of Jasper National Park, which flames began to eat away at the night before.
WATCH LIVE Jasper wildfire burns buildings, while poor air quality forces some fire crews out
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced on social media that Ottawa has approved Alberta's request for federal assistance after a fast-moving wildfire hit Jasper National Park and its townsite late Wednesday.
Jennifer Aniston criticizes JD Vance for 'childless cat ladies' remarks: 'I pray that your daughter is fortunate enough to bear children'
Jennifer Aniston is criticizing JD Vance for comments he made in his past about women without children.
Canadian women's soccer team staffer given suspended prison sentence over drone incident, prosecutor says
A Canada women's soccer team staffer has been given an eight-month suspended prison sentence after flying a drone to film the closed-door training session of the New Zealand team on Monday, the prosecutor's office said in a statement.
WATCH LIVE 'Sick to my stomach': People grieve Jasper National Park by sharing favourite photos
As an out-of-control wildfire roared through Alberta’s famed Jasper National Park and its townsite late Wednesday, many are fearing the worst as officials warned of 'significant loss' within the area.
Spicy dispute over the origins of Flamin' Hot Cheetos winds up in court
A former PepsiCo executive is suing the company, saying it destroyed his career after questioning his claim that he invented the popular flavor of Cheetos snacks.
Prince William made $42 million from his newly inherited estate last year, reports show
Newly released financial reports show that William, the Prince of Wales, drew a salary of $42.1 million last fiscal year, his first since inheriting the vast and lucrative Duchy of Cornwall.
Sale of envoy's NYC condo 'expected to exceed' $9M: government
The current official residence for Canada's representative in New York City is 'being readied for sale,' according to a spokesperson from Global Affairs Canada.
'It's certainly a central piece:' Prince Harry blames tabloids for family breakdown
Prince Harry, speaking in clips published on Wednesday from a new documentary, said his legal battles with Britain's tabloid press have contributed to the breakdown of his relationship with the Royal Family.