SYDNEY, N.S. — A Cape Breton mother was reduced to tears Monday after learning it will be nearly two years before the man charged in the death of her 10-year-old daughter stands trial.
“That is way too long, and he gets to walk around free all that time,” said Susan Arsenault.
Arsenault’s daughter, Talia Neveah Forrest, 10, of Sydney Mines, was riding her bicycle along the Black Road, Victoria County, when she was struck and killed on July 11, 2019.
Colin Hugh Tweedie, 29, of Black Rock Road, is charged with dangerous driving causing death, impaired driving causing death, obstruction of justice and failing to stop at the scene of an accident.
He was assigned a Supreme Court trial date Monday of Feb. 1-14, 2022.
“This just doesn’t make sense. It doesn’t seem right,” said Arsenault, who was greeted outside on the steps of the Sydney Justice Centre by a large crowd of sign-carrying supporters.
Part of the problem in setting an earlier date stems from the assigning of a justice to hear the case from outside Cape Breton. One local justice had already declared a conflict and would not be able to hear the case while the other is booked with cases well into the new year. Justice Mona Lynch has now been assigned to preside over the trial.
Also, the length of trial – now expected to be at least 10 days – added another factor to be considered.
A large crowd of Arsenault supporters were on hand outside the courthouse Monday carrying signs touting justice for the victim.
Tweedie, who continues his release on conditions, is now to return to Supreme Court on Dec. 14 for a status update to ensure the date assigned for the trial is confirmed.
