IQALUIT
The Nunavut Court of Justice has ruled that a new trial should be held for Chris Bishop, the man convicted of a triple slaying in Cambridge Bay six years ago.
Chris Bishop: Sentenced to life in prison with no eligibility of parole for 16 years in August 2010. |
Bishop was sentenced to life in prison with no eligibility of parole for 16 years in August 2010 after a jury found him guilty of three counts of murder and two counts of attempted murder.
Justices Jean Cote, Patricia Rowbothan and Brian O'Ferrall heard arguments from the defence and Crown this past Sept. 25 at the Nunavut Court of Justice level as to whether the case should be retried.
Bishop's defence lawyer, Toronto-based James Morton, said the decision to grant a new trial was two to one.
"It seems the judges agreed with my arguments the evidence with the young woman saying Chris had shot people in Yellowknife should not have gone to the jury and was unfair. That appears to be the reason," Morton said.
He added he has yet to fully read the 80-page decision.
Morton said the Crown may further appeal the decision to the Supreme Court of Canada. But if the Crown does not appeal the decision, a new trial date will be scheduled.
"Obviously, I'll be seeking to have Mr. Bishop released on bail pending any new trial date," he said. "The new trial date would probably be at least one year, maybe two years from now."
He added he hopes to speak to Bishop today.
