The Dennis Oland murder case is soon to be back in the spotlight, as the New Brunswick Court of Appeal will begin hearing arguments Tuesday either for an acquittal or new trial.
The son of well-known Saint John businessman, Richard Oland, was convicted last December of bludgeoning his father to death in his uptown Saint John office in July of 2011.
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Dennis’ legal team immediately launched an appeal of the conviction.
His lawyers argue the trial judge made errors in his instructions to the jury, and criticize the inclusion of certain pieces of evidence like forensic testing on Dennis’ brown jacket.
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Greg Marquis is a professor at University of New Brunswick Saint John and author of Truth and Honour, a book on the Oland trial. He says he’s anxious to see how some of the key issues will be played out.
“The reason for the visit of Dennis to his father’s office, the issue of the missing cell phone, the blood evidence, the missing weapon, the financial aspects which tie in to the reasons of the visit, and things like that,” Marquis said Monday.
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The Supreme Court of Canada has also granted Oland leave to appeal the denial of his bail application. Those arguments will be heard October 31st.
“This case out of Saint John could set a precedent for all future cases where people who have been convicted of murder apply for bail pending an appeal, so in that, the case takes on a larger life,” Marquis said.
READ MORE: Three provinces and lawyers’ group to intervene in Oland bail appeal
Dennis’ lawyers want him either acquitted or a new trial ordered. The Crown maintains the case was based on solid evidence.
Three days have been set aside for the appeal.