RCMP didnt intend to block lawyer, client meeting: Crown

The Crown prosecutor in the Steven Sayine trial in Hay River says RCMP didn`t intend to prevent his lawyer from meeting with him last weekend.

Charles Davison says he was forced to speak to Sayine through a slot in the cell door while a prison employee watched.

Crown Prosecutor Marc Lecorre says he spoke with RCMP and authorities at the South Mackenzie Correctional Centre.

RCMP told him they intended to give Sayine more freedom by moving him from a cell at the local detachment to the facility. They also said they never told anyone to prevent Sayine from meeting with his lawyer.

Prison authorities told Lecorre there was a witness in the trial also being held there, and said there was a conflict between Sayine and the witness.

They also told Lecorre that Davison came unannounced during a shift change.

Justice Louise Charbonneau said it is never appropriate for counselto have to interview their clients through a slot.

Davison said it did sound like an unfortunate set of circumstances.

He said his biggest concern was being able to proceed with the trial.

Sayine is facing a manslaughter charge in the death of his common-law wife Mary Laboucan in 2012.

The trial ended yesterday.

The judge is expected to make a decision on October 29.