Jurors at Dennis Oland trial instructed on police investigation

SAINT JOHN – Richard Oland’s so-called right-hand man took the stand Tuesday at the second-degree murder trial of Dennis Oland.

But before taking the stand, the day began with the judge instructing the jury on evidence suggesting the inadequacy of the police investigation.

Justice John Walsh of New Brunswick’s Court of Queen’s Bench instructed the jury that they have heard evidence that the Saint John Police Force investigation was inadequate.

Justice Walsh then told the jury: “At the end of the trial it will be up to you to determine whether the evidence about the inadequacy of the investigation alone or with other evidence causes you to have reasonable doubt as to the guilt of Dennis Oland.”

Bob McFadden’s relationship with Oland went back more than three decades.

He detailed Richard Oland’s holding company which had two subsidiary companies including Far End Corporation which was the beneficiary of his life insurance policy.

After Oland’s death, McFadden and Dennis Oland, who were executors of the estate, named themselves directors of the two companies.

Under direct examination by Prosecutor P.J. Veniot, McFadden detailed his actions on July 6 and 7 of 2011.

He described the day Oland was murdered, as a pretty common, normal day. He said he left the office around 5:30 and did not see or speak with Dennis Oland.

McFadden also relayed his activities on the day Richard Oland’s body was found. He was called by Oland’s assistant Maureen Adamson not to go to the office, but to go to Printing Plus downstairs.

He said he spoke with paramedics.

“I had a sense there was foul play following those discussions,” he said.

McFadden also testified to playing a scheduled golf game that day so he could avoid speaking to anyone about the case.

The trial also heard about Richard Oland’s mistress Diana Sedlacek.

Asked by Veniot if McFadden knew of Diana Sedlacek, McFadden replied: “I was aware of her.”

The trial has been told that Richard Oland was having an affair with Sedlacek, a real estate agent.

Veniot asked McFadden if he had ever spoken about Sedlacek with Dennis Oland.

McFadden said Dennis had brought up the topic about 18 months before his father’s death, and he suggested that McFadden tell his father “to cool it” because word of their affair was getting out.

He testified that he never had that conversation with Richard Oland because the situation didn’t arise, adding that his business associate was careful. He said if the elder Oland and Sedlacek went on a trip, they’d go on separate flights.

“You follow the money and see the airline tickets, you know what’s going on,” McFadden said.

With files from The Canadian Press