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Etiquette expected as Kerry Vickar Centre converts into courtroom

Jan 24, 2019 | 4:00 PM

There are a few things visitors to the Jaskirat Sidhu sentencing hearing in Melfort need to know before proceedings begin on Monday.

Due to the magnitude of victims and family members involved in the case, officials determined a larger centre was needed for sentencing proceedings. 

According to a media release from the Provincial Court of Saskatchewan, the Kerry Vickar Centre will house the proceedings. While it is not an official courthouse, it will be treated as such during the entire hearing. Court decorum will be enforced.

The main entrance will be the only public entrance, and screening will take place immediately within the building.

Anyone interested in attending is recommended to arrive early due to the security screening.

Large bags, backpacks, food or water, cameras or recording equipment are not permitted. Any item that could be considered a threat is also banned. This includes knives, scissors, sticks, bats or bottles. 

Members of the public are not permitted to use a phone for any purpose within the courtroom while court is proceeding, and cellphones must be turned off in the courtroom area.

All hats and toques must be removed upon entry to the courtroom, and there is no talking permitted during proceedings.

Anyone who needs to enter or exit the court must do so quietly.

On Jan. 8, Sidhu pleaded guilty to 16 counts of dangerous operation of a motor vehicle causing death, and 13 counts of dangerous operation of a motor vehicle causing bodily injury after his semi collided with the Humboldt Broncos bus at the intersection of Highway 35 and 335 on April 6, 2018.

The hearing begins Monday, Jan. 28 at 10 a.m.

 

cam.lee@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @camlee1974