Ill lawyer delays trial of man accused of financial crimes in Moncton

Shane Magee · CBC News

· Posted: May 01, 2025 1:53 PM EDT | Last Updated: 4 hours ago

Daniel Bard's proceedings successful Moncton has been paused for respective days implicit the wellness of his lawyer, who suggested Thursday that helium whitethorn not person been afloat competent during grounds from witnesses the time before.

Bard, 60, is connected proceedings successful provincial tribunal connected 19 charges alleging fraud, theft, wealth laundering and possession of spot obtained by crime. The six-week proceedings began April 22 but has been delayed respective times due to the fact that of his defence lawyer's health.

James Matheson said Thursday that helium had thrown up aggregate times that morning, noting helium had a instrumentality beside his spot successful the courtroom. 

"I don't spot immoderate mode I tin beryllium today," Matheson told Judge Anne Richard.

Matheson told the justice he may not person been afloat competent Wednesday during testimony of 2 of Bard's alleged victims. At times during that testimony, Matheson appeared hunched implicit oregon to beryllium staring astatine the courtroom ceiling.

A 2nd lawyer, Tim Dubé, had been appointed to grip immoderate cross-examination of witnesses due to the fact that of Matheson's health. Dube has been authorized to bash more, though, fixed Matheson's health. 

But Dubé told the justice Thursday helium hadn't been capable to reappraisal the grounds for the witnesses expected to attest Thursday. 

The justice agreed to adjourn the lawsuit to Monday.

Crown prosecutors said erstwhile the lawsuit resumes, they volition request to revisit Matheson's competency comment.

Prosecutor Andrew Pollabauer said the Crown was consenting to callback witnesses if necessary.

The allegations against Bard screen a clip erstwhile helium was vice-president of concern attraction for 3+ Corp, which was a municipally funded economical improvement bureau serving the Moncton area.