Tony Humby trial remains on indefinite pause, as defence files more applications
Proceedings were scheduled to begin in early March
The trial for a man accused of sexually exploiting and abusing vulnerable teens has been delayed once again.
Tony Humby's lawyer, Mark Gruchy, notified the court on Friday he intends to file more pre-trial applications, including one demanding the Crown turn over all relevant information.
Crown prosecutor Deidre Badcock told the court she wanted to begin the trial as early as Monday, but would instead have to pivot to respond to Gruchy's newest applications.
Judge Rolf Pritchard will call the case again next Wednesday, where it's possible he'll hear submissions from both sides on the defence's latest filings.
The trial was supposed to start on March 3, but was delayed when Gruchy submitted applications asking for the disclosure of more information. The exact details are unclear, as it relates to evidence the Crown believes is privileged and should remain confidential.
That resulted in closed-door hearings throughout the month, after which Gruchy received heavily redacted versions of information he was seeking.
Not done there, Gruchy said he now intends to file as many as three more applications that Badcock said will need to be dealt with before the trial can begin. Again, the hearing will be held in-camera.
About half of the seven-plus weeks allotted for the trial remain. After next week, the case is scheduled to return for three weeks in May.
Humby was first arrested in April 2023, along with his friend and neighbour, Bruce Escott.
Humby is set for trial on 72 charges related to sexual violence against youths going back two decades. He's also facing another 15 charges, including multiple counts of human trafficking, that are being dealt with separately.
In addition, Humby is accused of two counts of sexual assault while incarcerated at Her Majesty's Penitentiary.
Escott pleaded guilty to seven counts and was sentenced to 13 years.
The agreed statement of facts in Escott's case alleged that the two men worked together to sexually exploit vulnerable youths for years.
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