I learned today, but not from the above that the Crown is responsible for the delay not the VPD. With the McSorley case Brash's hospital records were made available almost immediately, but Moore's weren't easy to get at.
Bertuzzi makes not guilty plea in court
Canadian Press
8/26/2004
VANCOUVER (CP) - Vancouver Canuck star Todd Bertuzzi pleaded not guilty Thursday to an on-ice assault in a hit watched by millions last March.
Bertuzzi, dressed in a grey pin-stripped suit and an open-neck shirt, delivered the plea at a court appearance that lasted only 10 minutes.
He said only ``not guilty, your honour'' when asked his plea and he did not speak to reporters as he left with his wife in a black, SUV limousine.
It was the first personal appearance by the high-profile player on charges of assault causing bodily harm and the judge thanked him for being there, saying Bertuzzi did not have to appear in person. Bertuzzi was charged June 24 after Colorado Avalanche forward Steve Moore suffered a concussion and broken neck during a game March 8 between the rival teams vying to capture the top spot in their division.
The punch from behind, followed by the much-larger Bertuzzi crashing onto the ice on top of Moore, was replayed repeatedly on newscasts following the game.
Crown lawyer Garth Loeppky told court he would call several players as witnesses, though he didn't say who or from what teams. League officials, medical staff and game officials will also be called.
Video evidence will be presented during the trial which is expected to last three weeks.
Judge William Kitchen expressed concern that if a widely predicted labour disruption does not go ahead and the NHL enters the hockey season as usual, that player witnesses could be ``scattered.''
Loeppky replied that was something the Crown would have to deal with.
The plea came the same day as an American Hockey League player was charged with the same charges in a stick-swinging incident that left his opponent convulsing on the ice.
Police in Hamilton said the incident involving Hamilton Bulldogs forward Alexander Perezhogin ``crossed the line.''
Bertuzzi was suspended indefinitely by the NHL after the incident in Vancouver and missed 20 games. The Canucks struggled in the playoffs without Bertuzzi and were upset by the Calgary Flames in the first round.
Lawyers in the case are expected to appear in court Sept. 1 when a trial date may be set.
The Vancouver Sun has applied to use recording devices and take photographs in court if Bertuzzi pleads not guilty and proceeds to a trial.
The newspaper's representatives have also asked, on behalf of CanWest Global TV affiliates, that the court allow television cameras in the courtroom.