Trial of Halifax-area dentist to proceed in October despite legal switch

The assault trial of a Halifax-area pediatric dentist is still scheduled to proceed this fall, despite a last-minute change in lawyers.

Dr. Errol Gaum is accused of physically assaulting children through his practice over a 50-year period. The legal case has been boiled down to five complainants and seven witnesses who, the Crown says, will testify to similar treatment from Gaum.

The trial is scheduled to begin on Oct. 21 in Halifax provincial court and run for two weeks.

But Thursday morning, Judge Elizabeth Buckle allowed high-profile Halifax defence lawyer Stan MacDonald to withdraw as Gaum's counsel. Gaum is facing bankruptcy and has applied for legal aid to cover his costs.

The question discussed during Thursday's court appearance was whether legal aid approval would come in time for another lawyer to step in.

Another defence lawyer, Nicholas Fitch, told Buckle he was prepared to take over and would be ready in time for the trial.

Gaum is also facing a civil lawsuit from some former patients who also allege abuse.