The man accused of murdering Victoria Head last year won't go to trial for more than a year.
The first-degree murder trial of Steven Bragg is scheduled to take place before a jury over six weeks beginning Jan. 20, 2020, more than two years after Head's body was found near a trail off Mount Scio Road in the centre of St. John's.
Bragg did not appear in Supreme Court in St. John's for his arraignment Monday afternoon, but was represented by his lawyer, Bob Buckingham.
While Crown prosecutor Robin Singleton indicated she would be ready to proceed at the court's offered date next September, Buckingham said he was busy with another murder trial and didn't have any available time for Bragg's trial until the fall of 2020.
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He told the court he could start the proceedings in December of next year, but feared a six-week case with a break for Christmas would affect jury selection and impede Bragg's right to a fair trial.
"I don't think it would deny the accused his right to a fair trial, but it's certainly not the best scenario," replied Justice Raymond Whalen, chief justice of the Supreme Court's trial division.
Singleton agreed to the 2020 trial date, but noted the delay in proceedings was the defence's fault.
Members of Victoria Head's family — who have been present in the courtroom every time Bragg's case has been called — were visibly upset by the delay. Head's father and sister left the room when the date was scheduled.
Bragg has not yet entered a plea to the murder charge. Buckingham has filed an application with the Supreme Court, challenging a provincial judge's decision to send Bragg to trial on a first-degree murder charge instead of a lesser charge. Bragg will enter a plea once that application is heard in February.
Head, 36, was killed last fall. Her body was located Nov. 11. The next day, police issued a missing person appeal for Bragg, and he was reportedly located a day after that.
In December, Bragg was arrested and charged with second-degree murder. That charge was upgraded to first-degree murder in February, after police unearthed new evidence in the case.
Head was a native of Placentia and a mother of one, and has been described by her family members as thoughtful and good-hearted. Those close to her called her Vickie.
Police say Head and Bragg knew each other.
Twitter: @tara_bradbury
