K. Weeks

The accused applied for a change of venue under s. 599(1)(a) of the Criminal Code in relation to charges of first-degree murder and offering an indignity to human remains.

They argued that extensive pre‑trial publicity, community hostility, and alleged inadequacies in the Sault Ste.

Marie courthouse facilities created a reasonable likelihood of juror prejudice and an unfair trial.

The court reviewed the governing jurisprudence on venue changes and the safeguards inherent in the jury selection and trial process.

It concluded that the applicants failed to establish, on a balance of probabilities, that community bias or prejudice could not be mitigated through those safeguards.

The court also found that the courthouse facilities were capable of accommodating the trial and that logistical concerns did not justify relocation.

The offender was sentenced following convictions on ten counts including multiple arsons, insurance fraud, identity fraud, and counselling to commit arson.

The offences involved four planned fires at residential properties and a fraudulent scheme involving a life insurance policy connected to the offender’s former spouse.

The court emphasized denunciation and deterrence, noting the offender’s role as the organizer who directed another vulnerable individual to set several of the fires.

After applying the principles of proportionality, totality, and parity, the court imposed a global sentence of seven years’ imprisonment with credit for pre‑sentence custody.

Ancillary orders included a DNA order, a lifetime firearms prohibition, and restitution payable to an insurance company for property losses.