Update: 10:45 a.m. on May 30
The request by Crown counsel to have a no contact order between the ex-wife and the man accused of fatally shooting four people in Penticton has been adjourned.
According to the Penticton courthouse registry, the matter has been moved to June 3 where it will be in front of the judicial case manager to fix-a-date to return.
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Crown counsel is asking for a no-contact order between the man who is accused of the deadly shooting spree of four people in Penticton and his ex-wife.
John Brittain, a former engineer with the City of Penticton, appeared in Penticton provincial court via video facing four counts of murder in relation to the events that unfolded on April 15. Brittain allegedly shot and killed Rudi Winter, Darlene Knippelberg and Barry and Susan Wonch.
READ MORE: Four victims identified in deadly Penticton shooting spree
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Brittain told the court that his lawyer, Paul McMurray, expressed some concern that he not have contact with his ex-wife, Katherine Brittain, but said he was open to some contact via telephone. Crown counsel Andrew Vandersluys explained to the judge that he was asking for a no-contact order because the woman would be called as a witness.
READ MORE: Friend of man accused of killing four people in Penticton in ‘absolute shock’
“She had nothing to do with this,” said Brittain, whose answer stirred upset emotions among some of the people sitting in the court gallery.
The discussion over the no-contact order has been adjourned until Thursday so Brittain can consult his lawyer, who was in trial on another matter in Dawson Creek, and their position can be stated in court.
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