Crown ordered to pay accused sex offender’s $190 taxi fare due to N.S. courthouse closure

A recent ruling by a Nova Scotia judge has sparked controversy as the provincial Crown has been ordered to cover a $190 round-trip taxi fare for an accused sex offender. The accused, Jeffrey Mitchell Wile, hails from Windsor, N.S., where the local courthouse is set to close, forcing his trial to be relocated to a justice centre in Kentville, a 40-kilometre drive away.

The decision to close the Hants County courthouse in Windsor was announced by the Department of Justice, citing various issues with the facility including problems with the cells and the lack of an elevator to the second-floor courtroom, making it inaccessible for individuals with mobility issues. This closure poses a significant challenge for Wile, who is currently on social assistance and does not have the means to cover the transportation costs to attend his trial in Kentville.

Judge Angela Caseley highlighted the lack of public transit options from Windsor to Kentville and noted that Wile does not have the financial resources or familial support to make the journey. The closure of the Windsor courthouse has effectively put Wile in a position where he may face arrest if he is unable to attend his trial, potentially leading to extended periods of incarceration.

Wile’s legal aid lawyer, Jonathan Hughes, argued that the decision to move the trial to Kentville was a direct result of the government’s choice to close the Windsor courthouse. This move, Hughes contended, unfairly penalizes individuals like Wile who are unable to afford the associated costs of transportation.

The closure of the Hants County courthouse marks the end of a 251-year tradition of providing access to justice for residents of Hants County. The historic significance of this decision was not lost on Judge Caseley, who lamented the impact on the community and its longstanding access to justice.

The Department of Justice defended its decision to close the Windsor courthouse, citing the deteriorating condition of the building and the need to address safety concerns, particularly regarding the holding cells for individuals in custody. While the Kentville Justice Centre is touted as a modern and accessible facility serving both Kings and Hants counties, the closure of the Windsor courthouse leaves a void in the local justice system.

As the legal proceedings continue, the implications of the courthouse closure on individuals like Wile raise questions about access to justice and the impact of government decisions on marginalized individuals. The judge’s ruling to provide funding for Wile’s transportation costs underscores the challenges faced by those who are unable to navigate the complexities of the justice system without adequate support.