Lawyer for man accused of killing daughters on Christmas Day says client must receive fair trial
Posted February 1, 2018 12:47 pm.
This article is more than 5 years old.
OAK BAY – The lawyer for a man charged with second-degree murder in the deaths of his two daughters on Christmas Day in Oak Bay says the accused must receive a fair trial.
Andrew Berry, wearing a dark T-shirt, did not speak today during a brief appearance in court via a video link.
Kevin McCullough said outside court today that comments by police shortly after the discovery of the bodies of Chloe, 6, and Aubrey Berry, 4, about there being no dangers to the public are not fair to his client.
“The police saying that there’s not a reason to be concerned about other people the day after… there’s no other suspects, that’s the kind of thing that leads one to rush to judgement.”
McCullough says the foundation of the Canadian justice system is based on the presumption of innocence.
“There’s a presumption of innocence that’s alive and well in this country. And it’s so important that that presumption of innocence plays out in cases like this, where there seems be a bit of a rush to prejudge matters. So, I’m really hopeful that people apply the presumption of innocence and keep the Canadian democracy strong.”
More than 1,000 mourners attended a funeral service for the sisters last month at Victoria’s Christ Church Cathedral.
Berry’s next court appearance is February 22.
