The defense in a South Shore MLA’s drunk driving case is accusing the Crown of abusing their power.
As reported by other outlets, Chester-St. Margaret’s MLA Hugh MacKay’s lawyer appeared before the Nova Scotia Supreme Court to ask for a stay of proceedings in relation to MacKay’s recent impaired driving charge.
Lawyer Don Murray requested a hearing for the abuse of process allegations against the Crown, due to confusion around whether they are proceeding summarily or indictably against the MLA.
Both convictions carry vastly different circumstances for MacKay if found guilty of his charges – A summary offence could land him a minimum fine of $1,000, where an indictable offence could see him spend time in prison for up to five years.
The charges against MacKay stem from an incident that took place in late 2018, for which he was charged in February of this year. He has since pleaded not guilty.
Murray’s hearing will take place early next year.
