SYDNEY, N.S. — One of two accused charged with second-degree murder in connection with the death of an Eskasoni man in March has been denied bail.
Kirk Daniel Gould, 30, is charged in relation to the beating death of 33-year-old Harry Lafford Jr. on March 21 inside a Mini Mall Drive apartment.
Also charged with second-degree murder is Roger Wilfred Prosper, 37, who is scheduled to have a bail hearing Nov. 26.
Supreme Court Justice Patrick Murray issued his ruling on Gould’s bail Friday after hearing evidence in a two-day bail hearing held Nov. 4 and Nov.12.
Testimony from the bail hearing and Murray’s reasons why he denied bail are prohibited from publication until a verdict is rendered in the case.
The Crown’s case was presented by prosecutors Steve Melnick and Christa MacKinnon while the defence was represented by Darlene MacRury.
Both Gould and Prosper have been on remand since their arrest March 22.
In outlining the law governing such a release from custody, Murray said the court must examine whether the accused will continue to attend court proceedings as ordered, address any issues surrounding public safety by releasing an accused and maintain confidence in the administration of justice.
In denying the bail application, the judge said he carefully considered the proposed bail plan advanced by Gould and that his decision was not taken lightly.
If convicted of the offence, Gould go could face a possible life sentence.
As a result of being denied bail, Gould will now be subject to a bail review every 90 days while he remains in custody.
He is now scheduled to have a preliminary hearing on the charge Feb. 11.
Meanwhile, Prosper is scheduled to have a preliminary hearing Jan. 29 and 31.
Prosper is also scheduled to have a provincial court trial April 20 on a charge of aggravated assault in connection with an attack in April on another accused being held at the Cape Breton Correctional Centre.
