Bob Buckingham alleges double-standard over threats against accused killer

Bob Buckingham, the lawyer for accused murderer Raymond Stacey,sayshis client has been threatened on two occasions, but police have failed to investigate.

Buckingham added that supporters ofClifford Comerford, who was killed Jan. 11, continue to set an uncomfortable tone during court appearances by wearing T-shirts with the message "Justice for Cliffie" written on them.

• Raymond Stacey charged with 2nd-degree murder of Clifford Comerford
• Raymond Stacey, accused in brutal stabbing, fit to stand trial

"I am concerned," Buckingham told reporters Friday after the matter was briefly called in provincial court.

Buckingham saidStacey was threatened while being escorted into the courtfor his first appearance on Jan. 12.

An exchange was captured by new cameras, with someone in the background calling Stacey a coward several times, and Stacey replying with some foul language.

"He was threatened by people, caught on camera, heard by sheriff's officers and no investigation has been done into that with respect to who uttered the threat against my client's life," Buckingham said.

Lawyer alleges dereliction of duty

Buckingham said Stacey, 23, was also threatened the night of Comerford's death, and a witness has come forward to collaborate this.

"There doesn't appear to be any independent police investigation into that either," Buckingham said.

He accused the Royal Newfoundland Constabulary of a double-standardand a "dereliction of their duty."

Buckingham also suggested that the people who made the alleged threats are in the court each time the matter is called.

"And nothing goes on. It's just not proper," he said.

Stacey, who remains in custody, has not made a formal complaint to police for fear of being labelled a "rat" and for possibly bringing on reprisals,said Buckingham.

He added that if someone breaks the law, police should initiate an independent investigation.

Both worked at chicken farm

When asked if he filed a complaint,Buckingham said, "The issue has been raised. And action has not been taken by the police force."

It's not uncommon for emotions to run high during sensitive court matters, but Buckingham said that's no excuse for such outbursts.

"People who live in glass houses should not throw stones," he said.

Stacey is charged withsecond-degree murderin relation to the deathof Comerford, 41.

Theyworked at the Country Ribbon poultry farm near Cochrane Pond, and were in a van that was taking them to their worksitewhen the stabbing is believed to have occurred.

Emergency respondersreceived a called shortly after 9 p.m. atGreenwood Crescent, which is off Topsail Road, across from the former Sobeys Square shopping mall.

"He was brutally, brutally assaulted and stabbed several times," Comerford'sbrother, Trent Comerford, told CBC News following the incident.

The matter is scheduled tobe called again on March 6, at which time a date for a preliminary inquiry is expected to be set.

RNC is investigating

Meanwhile, RNC Chief William Janes issued a statement toCBC News late Friday afternoon, sayingthat the alleged threat against Stacey at provincial court is being investigated.

"As part of this investigation, the RNC contacted Mr. Buckingham on Feb. 4 to inquire as to whether his client wished to give a statement. We have yet to receive a response from Mr. Buckingham," the chief's statement read.

As for the second alleged threat on the day of the homicide, the chief saidthat ifevidence that another criminal offence occurred, it will be investigated and, if reasonable grounds exists, a charge will be laid.