THREE RIVERS, P.E.I. — A P.E.I. man facing charges of criminal negligence causing death in connection with a fatal boat collision has elected to have those matters heard in the province’s supreme court.
Clarence Barry White wasn’t in provincial court in Georgetown Thursday, where his case was called before Chief Judge Nancy Orr.
Neither were the lawyers for the Crown and defence who took part in the proceedings by phone.
White is facing two counts of criminal negligence causing death and two charges under the Canada Shipping Act.
During Thursday’s proceedings, White’s lawyer told the court his client was electing to have the criminal negligence matters heard in P.E.I. Supreme Court.
White is also seeking a preliminary inquiry on those charges.
On the Canada Shipping Act charges, White pleaded not guilty and his next court date is scheduled for Sept. 10, to set a trial date for those matters.
It’s also when the court will set a date for the preliminary inquiry.
Chris Melanson, 59, and Justin MacKay, 20, died on June 9, 2018 after the boat Forever Chasin’ Tail collided with the one they were on as it approached the Beach Point harbour entrance.
After an investigation, the Transportation Safety Board determined the boat that collided with theirs was on autopilot at the time.
