Judge orders release of exhibits in Justin Bourque sentencing

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MONCTON (NEWS1130) – A judge in New Brunswick has ordered the release of all exhibits entered into evidence at the sentencing hearing of Justin Bourque in the killing of three Mounties in Moncton.

The exhibits included a videotaped confession Bourque gave to police.

News media organizations asked for access to exhibits used to sentence Bourque, who pleaded guilty to three counts of first-degree murder and two counts of attempted murder in the June 4th shooting rampage.

The Crown opposed the release of the exhibits, arguing families of the RCMP officers shot by Bourque as well as others in Moncton would be traumatized if some exhibits entered as evidence at his sentencing hearing were released to the public.

Crown attorney Cameron Gunn could not immediately be reached for comment.

Bourque’s defence lawyer also opposed the release of the exhibits.

In his ruling released today, Chief Justice David Smith of the Court of Queen’s Bench said the onus to prove that the material heard in court should not be released rested with the Crown and the defence.

He said evidence presented by the Crown and the defence was insufficient to prevent the release of the exhibits.

The judgment was released as the courts were closing; therefore the exhibits were not immediately available.

 

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