The trial of Henry Joseph Pottie began Monday in a Moncton courtroom. Pottie is accused of the first degree murder of Jamie Leard, a resident of Upper Cape, in May 2021.
Pottie’s co-accused, Sean Patterson, was also facing a first degree murder charge, but last Thursday entered a guilty plea to second degree murder. Patterson will be sentenced this summer on July 25.
On Monday, 39-year-old Pottie heard the charges against him and then pled not guilty. Pottie is represented by Saint John-Toronto lawyer Nathan Gorham and colleagues. The case is being prosecuted by New Brunswick crown attorney Maurice Blanchard.
Two courtrooms were filled with prospective jurors on Monday. Judge Robert Dysart said he would select 14 jurors and two alternates. Only 12 jurors will be able to deliberate and determine a verdict, but Dysart said he would appoint more due to the proposed length of the trial, which lawyers predict could last eight weeks.
First witnesses are expected to be called on Tuesday.
A publication ban is in effect for any evidence and information presented in court while the jury is or was not present. The ban will be lifted once the jury is sequestered for deliberations.
Several weeks of voir-dire hearings preceded the trial, in which the judge determined admissibility of evidence and witness testimony.
Correction: A previous version of this story incorrectly said Pottie pled guilty. He pled not guilty on Monday.
