Lengthy delay in MLA Zinck's fraud trial

Independent MLA Trevor Zinck has a trial date set for June, meaning he could be on the campaign trail when he heads to court on fraud charges next year.

The MLA for Dartmouth North is facing charges of fraud, theft and breach of trust in connection with his MLA expense account.

There is speculation the NDP government will call an election in the spring. The delayed trial date means Zinck may not have his case resolved until after the next election.

Zinck did not appear in court on Thursday. When reached at his constituency office, he said he had hoped to have his day in court sooner rather than later. But due to scheduling conflicts between his lawyer and the Crown, his trial won't start until June of next year.

Despite his dealings with the court, Zinck told CBC News he plans to run again in the riding of Dartmouth North.

If there is a spring election, Zinck will have to face voters amid accusations he stole money from taxpayers.

"Obviously it creates an obstacle," he said. "If there is a spring election, obviously there's more questions that people are going to have on their mind when they're going to consider voting for me."

Zinck was first elected in Dartmouth North in 2006 as a member of the NDP. He was kicked out of caucus in March 2010, after alleged irregularities in his expense account.

In February 2011, Zinck was charged with fraud, theft and breach of trust.

On Thursday, he said the process had taught him just how slow the justice system can be.