Justice for Cliffie: T-shirts causing friction in Raymond Stacey murder case
The family of a man who was killed in Mount Pearl in January say they will continue wearing T-shirts to court that show a photo of his face and a message that reads: "Justice for Cliffie."
They say it's their way of giving Clifford Comerford a voice as the man accused of taking his life, Raymond Stacey, goes through the court process.
"If Cliffie were alive, he would be the victim in court. So why is it that his face can't be shown? Cliffie is not alive to speak, so we are his voice," said Comerford's sister, Dianna.
The T-shirts have led to an escalation in tension in the case, with Stacey's lawyer, Bob Buckingham, saying Friday he will apply to the court for an order to have the Comerford's stop wearing the shirts.
"This is in fact a public demonstration," said Buckingham.
"At the first level it is intended to influence the judge, and if the matter goes to Supreme Court, it will be an effort to influence the jury. It is not proper, it is inappropriate."
Buckingham has also stated in the past that his client has been threatened.
Stacey, 23, is charged with second-degree murder in relation to the Jan. 11 death of Comerford, 41.
The case was called in court on Friday, and once again, several members of the Comerford family showed up wearing the T-shirts.
His brother, Trent Comerford, said there is no intention on the part of the family to influence or intimidate the court.
"We can't speak to our brother anymore. Mom and Dad can't see their son anymore. So this is our voice," Trent stated.
"This is Cliff the way we remember him. And this is the way we are going to keep remembering him. And we are going to keep wearing our T-shirts."
Buckingham said he understands the family is upset, but added, "that doesn't take away from the fact that our courts are to look at the facts as they are presented."
He plans to make his application to ban the shirts in the next month or so.
Meanwhile, a preliminary hearing could start in April, and it could last a week, said the Crown.