The start of former municipal fundraiser Bernard Trépanier’s trial was postponed on Friday after his defence informed the court that he’s in hospital and that his health has worsened.
Trépanier, who is one of the accused in a corruption trial involving the sale of city-owned land known as Faubourg Contrecoeur in east-end Montreal in 2007, already had a postponement granted in May because of his health problems. Trépanier has been undergoing chemotherapy for his liver and for lung cancer.
On Friday, Quebec Court Judge Yvan Poulin set a new date for Sept. 23 and ordered Trépanier’s lawyers to submit a medical report on his condition at that time.
Trépanier was arrested with former city executive committee chairman Frank Zampino, former construction magnate Paolo Catania and six others in May 2012. The trial began in February, but has yet to hear any evidence or from a single witness. The accused have opted for a trial by judge alone.
Trépanier was given a separate trial from the others in April after he began chemotherapy treatments.
The other accused will see their trial proceed before Poulin between January and June, 2017.
