The trial of a West Island resident charged with impaired driving causing the death of a cyclist in Pierrefonds will continue after a Quebec Court judge decided on Friday that it has not taken too long to prosecute the case.
The trial of Christine Pryde, 32, of Île-Bizard, began in June. She is charged with dangerous driving and criminal negligence causing the death of Irène Dehem, a mother of three who was fatally struck by a Hyundai Accent shortly after noon on May 18, 2021 while riding on l’Anse-à-l’Orme Rd.
After hearing the prosecution’s evidence over the course of several days, Quebec Court Judge Dennis Galiatsatos also heard a motion, on June 13, from defence lawyer Jessy Héroux. Héroux argued it had taken too long for the case to go to trial and asked that a stay of proceedings be placed on the charges.
On Friday, Galiatsatos rejected the request during a brief hearing and entered his 56-page decision into the court record.
Weeks before the trial began, the judge expressed concerns over an amendment to the French Language Charter that took effect on June 1. With the change, judges in Quebec hearing cases in English are required to provide a French translation of their decisions made in English at the same time. Galiatsatos was concerned the time required for court services to provide an official French translation of the decision he will ultimately make would cause an unnecessary and lengthy delay and provide grounds for Pryde to seek a stay of proceedings.
The decision on the request for the stay of proceedings was written in English only.
The trial will return to court on July 19.
This article will be updated.