Judge rejects defence request for more specifics of Come By Chance safety charges

Rob Antle · CBC News

· Posted: Apr 23, 2025 4:30 AM EDT | Last Updated: 9 minutes ago

Two companies person mislaid their bids to get much details astir workplace information charges laid against them aft a fatal flash occurrence astatine the Come By Chance refinery.

Braya Renewable Fuels (Newfoundland) GP Incorporated and Lorneville Mechanical Contractors said they needed much specifics from the Crown describing however alleged offences were committed.

The firms had submitted applications seeking further particulars of the charges, arguing that was required for a just trial.

"It is indispensable to specify the specifics of what the Crown is alleging and what the Crown is seeking to prove," lawyer David Eaton, representing Braya, said astatine a January proceeding connected the matter.

Lorneville aligned with Braya.

"It's precise important to identify, successful these types of charges, what are the existent facts, oregon what are the acts oregon failures to act that are being relied upon to represent the charge," Greg Anthony, Lorneville's lawyer, told the tribunal earlier this year.

"Because otherwise, the accused is near to speculate."

Crown authoritative Shawn Patten, meanwhile, had argued that the defendants had what they needed to afloat recognize the allegations against them.

In a determination issued Tuesday afternoon, Judge Paul Noble dismissed the applications by the companies, ruling that they had not met the indispensable ineligible test.

Braya is facing 10 occupational wellness and information charges aft a fatal detonation astatine the refinery successful Come By Chance successful 2022.

Another complaint initially laid against Braya was dropped earlier this year.

Lorneville is facing 3 occupational wellness and information counts.

One idiosyncratic — Shawn Peddle of Clarenville — died successful infirmary six weeks aft the blast. Seven different workers were earnestly injured.

Trial dates person been acceptable for the fall, moving from mid-October done to the past week of November.

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