Law Court Briefs

    A former Girl Guide district commissioner in Shelburne has been sentenced to 150 hours of house arrest, 18 months probation and told to repay money she stole from the organization.  34 year old Chastity Enslow had already pleaded guilty to fraud and stealing more than 5-thousand dollars from the Girl Guides in unpaid-for cookies before she was sentenced yesterday in court.

    Meanwhile, a 75 year old Shelburne man has received 548 hours of house arrest for trafficking prescription drugs. Burton Crowell was also ordered in court yesterday to pay a 100 dollar victim fine surcharge.  He earlier pleaded guilty. Crowell was arrested last November at his home during an RCMP search which saw Dilaudid pills, cash and drug paraphenalia confiscated.

Additional Councillors Coming To South Shore Schools

Schools across this region are getting additional help for students. South Shore Health is looking at providing two more councillors to every junior and senior high school to help with addiction, mental health and sexual health issues. Director for Community Services, Todd Leader, says its critical to have the service available for students.

"Adolescents live in the moment. If an adolescent realizes that he or she has some type of issue or difficulty that he or she wants to get help for, we need to have that service available in a timely way before the mood changes, you know, before the impulse changes or the motivation to address the issue."

Leader says councillors will be provided by an on-demand need from students. The additional councillors are expected to start in September.

Infant Assault Case Begins in Shelburne Court

A Barrington man who is charged with assault of an infant will appear in court in Shelburne today. Twenty-four year-old Adam Harold Hogg is expected to enter a plea to the charges today. Last November, Mounties were called to the Roseway Hospital in Shelburne after medical staff reported a 23 day-old baby boy had suffered serious injuries. Hogg was arrested in relation to the assault late last month. He is charged with aggravated assault, failing to provide the necessities of life.

Supreme Court: Key Evidence Presented In Murder Trial

A key piece of evidence is being presented today in a second degree murder trial in Nova Scotia Supreme Court. The jury in the trial of 33 year-old Jamie Leopold will hear almost nine hours of police interrogation spread out over two days in court. Sergeant Greg Vardy is on the witness stand in Bridgewater and is the lead investigator in the death of 47 year-old Laura Lee Robertson. According to Crown attorney Leigh-Ann Bryson, the videotaped statement includes Leopold's confession that he was responsible for Robertson's death. The police interview was conducted in Chester last April. Shortly after it was over, Leopold led Mounties to Robertson's body in Greenfield. After today's evidence is presented, the case will adjourn until Monday.

MODL Mulling Public Transit Option

The mayor of the District of Lunenburg feels there is a need for public transit in the region. But, that doesn't mean it's a done deal. Don Downe says there are people that would benefit from buses travelling across the county, allowing them easy access from one place to another. He says it is more of a wait-and-see approach.

"Every transit system that is out there doesn't make money, it loses money, and so, we'll have to see whether or not the province wants to be a part of the process and to what degree they're going to provide assistance, as well as, if there is any federal funding to be applied to this as well."

Downe is reacting after council listened to a presentation from a group advocating for public transit in the region. Bridgewater and the town of Lunenburg have also been approached by the public transit group. He says the matter will be presented to a working committee to gather more details.

Day 3: Queens County Murder Trial

A total of ten witnesses will be called to testify over the course of a murder trial in Bridgewater Supreme Court. Thirty-three year old James Leopold is facing a second degree murder charge in relation to the death of his fiance last year. Forty-seven year-old Laura Lee Robertson's body was found just off Highway 210 in a wooded area last April. Forensic expert, Dr. Eric Mont told court yesterday her body was in the beginning stages of decomposition when it was found. She had been missing for almost two weeks before her body was discovered. Leopold is being tried by a six-man, six-woman jury.

Money Pre-Approved For Bridgewater Mapping Project

Bridgewater council has approved funding to help establish a three-dimensional profile of the LaHave River. Members pre-approved $14,492.75 from the 2012-13 capital budget Monday night to help the town receive Light Detection and Ranging Mapping. The mapping can also be flown in a matter of days before vegetation along the river becomes too full. Deputy Mayor David Walker says the timing worked out to acquire the mapping.

''Our Director of Planning, Eric Shaw, had an opportunity partnering with the Nova Scotia Community College, to take advantage of some aerial photography that would not only prove beneficial for the Climate Change project but also for the Downtown Revitalization plan and for other things we have on our agenda as well."

Walker says the mapping is needed to provide flood projection analysis including sea-level rise projections, storm surge projections and erosion projections. The mapping project is part of Bridgewater's Municipal Climate Change Action Plan.

SchoolsPlus Expands Along South Shore

The South Shore Regional School Board's plea for another SchoolsPlus site has been answered. The province has expanded the program to 12 additional schools following an announcement Tuesday morning in Liverpool. Student Services coordinator, Jeff DeWolfe, says the program should go a long way to helping schools.

"We know some of those struggles, you know, in those schools communities' and some of the families that need our support and the students that need our support, so this allows us to give a different level of support coordinated with other agencies that will hopefully make a big difference."

Over 100 services and activities will be introduced into schools like anger management, employment support and art and sport programs. The board will receive $125,000 from the province to provide leadership and community outreach. In total, the province is investing $2.5-million in SchoolsPlus province-wide, bringing together teachers, students, families and community volunteers to design and deliver programs that meet the specific needs of the community. The program will be introduced into the following 12 schools, beginning in 2012-13:

1. Liverpool Regional High School
2. North Queens Community School
3. Greenfield Elementary School
4. Dr. John C. Wickwire Academy
5. South Queens Junior High School
6. Milton Centennial School
7. Mill Village Consolidated School
8. New Germany Rural High School
9. New Germany Elementary School
10. West Northfield Elementary School
11. Bridgewater Elementary School
12. Bridgewater Junior/Senior High School

UPDATE: Robertson's Body Wrapped In Blanket, Covered With Debris

A forensic expert believes 47 year-old Laura Lee Robertson was killed by some form of asphyxiation. Dr. Eric Mont of Halifax was called to the scene when Robertson's body was found in a secluded area in Greenfield, Queens County last April. Mont testified this morning her body was found wrapped in a blanket and covered in debris which included branches and sticks. Thirty-three year-old James James Leroy Leopold of Liverpool is facing a charge of second degree murder in relation to her death. The case will centre on the circumstances surrounding Robertson's death and whether Leopold intended to kill her or if the death was accidental. A jury of six men and six women has been selected for the trial.

Chester School Ready To Move On

Forest Heights Community School is ready to move forward from the t-shirt issue. Students and teachers took part in discussions yesterday about balancing freedom of expression and religious beliefs. The talks were sparked after grade 12 student William Swinimer was suspended last week for wearing a shirt expressing his religious beliefs, despite being repeatedly asked not to. The consultation involved guidance councillors, the Human Rights Commission and members of the Department of Education and Justice. Board member Judith Sullivan-Corney says it was a success despite Swinimer's absence.

"Our focus was on making sure that we created an opportunity for the students yesterday to continue to express their personal areas of interest, their beliefs, and any concerns that they had about the conflict that we've had over the past week."

Sullivan-Corney adds students feel positive things about the school have been overshadowed by the suspension. Facilitators will meet on Friday to discuss the feedback from students and how to best move forward.

Leopold Trial Into Day Two At Bridgewater Supreme Court

Its Day-2 of a second degree murder trial in Bridgewater Supreme Court.  33 year-old James Leroy Leopold of Liverpool is accused of killing his fiance, 47 year old Laura Lee Robertson.  Her remains were found off Highway 208 near Greenfield in April 2011.  The trial is expected to centre on the circumstances surrounding Robertson's death, whether Leopold intended to kill her or if the death was accidental.  The six men and six women on the jury will heard testimony today from a Halifax forensic expert.  Dr. Eric Mont is an expert at determining cause of death. He testified this morning that Robertson was killed by some form of asphyxiation. Her body was found face down, wrapped in a blanket and covered with debris. Leopold is present for the trial, which is expected to last eight days.

Dive Team Recovers Body Of Chester Man

Police have located the body of a missing Chester man in Spectacle Lake. The body of 41 year-old Timothy Llewellyn was found just before 2 o'clock this afternoon by police and Queens County Search And Rescue. Sergeant Bruce Hill says an autopsy will be conducted over the next couple of days.

"He was located in the area where the canoe overturned, approximately in the middle of the lake,"

Llewellyn had been missing since Saturday night when his canoe flipped during a fishing trip on the lake. An 18 year old who was also in the boat was able to swim to shore.

Queens County Murder Trial Underway

A second degree murder trial is underway in Bridgewater. The Supreme Court trial began this afternoon following jury selection. Thirty-three year-old James Leroy Leopold of Liverpool is accused of killing his fiance. The remains of 47 year-old Laura Lee Robertson were found of Highway 208 outside Greenfield in Queens County in April of last year.

Another Twist In "Jesus T-Shirt" Saga

A Grade 12 student in Chester Basin who was suspended from school last week for wearing a T-shirt expressing his religious views returned to class today before his father abruptly pulled him out. John Swinimer says his son, William, won't participate in discussions today about freedom of expression and religious tolerance at Forest Heights Community School and won't bring his son back until "regular" classes resume. Board superintendent Nancy Pynch-Worthylake says she's disappointed that Swinimer won't take part in the discussions. William Swinimer wore the same yellow shirt that has generated national headlines and sparked debate over freedom of speech and religion. The school board has said students complained about the shirt, and after Swinimer refused to abide by a principal's request not to wear it, he was suspended. The school says it is now allowing him to wear the shirt.

Boater Presumed Drowned in East Chester

 A 41-year old East Chester man is presumed drowned after a weekend fishing excursion on Spectacle Lake. A police dive team remains at the site for a second straight day in an effort to locate the man's body. Sergeant Bruce Hill says a sonar device is being used to scan the bottom of the lake.

"There is no indication that he had got to shore. Since the canoe overturned there has been no sign of him. At this time, it would be considered a recovery mission,"

An 18 year-old was also in the canoe when it flipped on Saturday night but was able to swim to shore. Hill says the pair were not wearing life jackets.

Two New Nurse Practitioners For Bridgewater

Bridgewater is about to be home to two new nurse practitioners. The new hires are the first step towards Bridgewater's proposed Collaborative Health Center. Primary health care manager Marlene Wheatley recognizes a shortage of primary health care providers in the area, and says the new nurses will help with that need.

"They're independently licensed practitioners - but they can diagnose, treat illness and health concerns, they can order tests, prescribe most medication, manage chronic diseases such a diabetes, and they can also refer patients to specialists or other health care providers."

The nurse practitioners will be able to accept 700 new patients each over the next year. Their office will be accepting new patients starting May 14th. To book appointments call 527-4310. South Shore officials are asking for the publics patience in this process.

Another Planned Bowater Shutdown Underway

Another shutdown of operations is underway at Bowater Mersey.  It began yesterday as the paper machines were shut down and most workers stayed home. This is the third such closure of the Brooklyn mill since December when the province and local governments antied up 50-million dollars to keep the mill from closing.

Premier Darrell Dexter stands behind the decision to provide Bowater with the financial life-line.  He says too many people and businesses are at stake.  He says:  "The forresters, the harvesters, the silvaculture people, the suppliers they interact with, the sawmills. So, in the case of Bowater, we're talking about literally thousands of jobs on the South Shore that extend from Lunenburg County right to Yarmouth."

Meanwhile, Liberal leader Stephen McNeil says he can't help but be nervous about taxpayer money being pumped into Bowater with markets being so volatile over the past couple of years.  McNeil says: "With the latest shutdowns, we're now looking at eleven of a possible thirty weeks that the mill will be closed. Obviously, we're concerned for those workers who are left there. What does this mean for the future of the mill and what assurances has the premier received from Resolute that there is a future for that mill?"

PC leader Jamie Baillie tells us he still supports the need for the infusion of money into Bowater last year to save the mill.  Baillie says: "Given the importance of the forest industry on the South Shore, I think the right thing to do now is to remain calm and make sure all parties are working together to find that long term viable future for the mill. At the same time, look for ways to create a forestry industry that is independent of the mill."


Officials at Bowater's parent company, Resolute Forest Products, say this shutdown will end May 21st. There will be another one though from June 17th to July 2nd.  Resolute says both closures, like the others, are a result of poor paper market conditions.

Search Continues For Missing South Shore Canoeist

The search is continuing for a man believed missing in Spectacle Lake in East Chester.  The RCMP received a 911 call early Saturday evening about a missing canoeist.  It was then determined two men were operating a canoe, when it overturned in the lake.  One of them, an 18-year-old, managed to swim to shore and a 41-year-old is still missing.  Members of the RCMP and fire departments from Chester, Mahone Bay and Blandford and the South Shore Ground Search and Rescue have been searching Spectacle Lake and the surrounding area.  No sign though of the missing man.  Names haven't been released by the RCMP.

Jury Selection Begins in Leopold Murder Trial

Jury selection will begin this morning in the trial of a 33 year-old Liverpool man accused of killing his finance. James Leroy Leopold has pleased not guilty to a charge of second degree murder in the death of 47 year-old Laura Lee Robertson. Her remains were found off Highway 208 outside Greenfield in Queens County in April of last year. The trial is expected to begin this afternoon in Bridgewater.

Student Will Continue Wearing "Jesus T-Shirt"

 A Grade 12 student in Chester Basin says he will continue wearing a religious T-shirt to school, even though it got him suspended. William Swinimer says he plans to show up at Forest Heights Community School on Monday wearing a shirt that says ``Life is wasted without Jesus.' The school plans to hold a debate that day with students about the controversy. School Board superintendent Nancy Pynch-Worthylake says if Swinimer or any student chooses to wear a similar shirt on Monday, it will help form part of that discussion.